Chapter 12
Steaming, hot coffee sat untouched on the dark table, a book splayed out with the reader too engrossed to notice their environment. The coffee shop had its normal chatter with coffee and tea aroma blending together in the air before a whiff of pastries would come out from the kitchen. The dark tables accented by mocha walls with green accents mellowing anyone that walked into the door.
Humming to herself, the reader continued to be lost in her own world as people around her sat and ate their lunch before they were replaced with new faces chatting softly together about the latest Quidditch match that was happening the following week. The entrance bell went off, signaling another customer stepping in the shop.
I glanced about for a moment before I spotted her, still oblivious to everything around her. Good. Strolling up to the witch behind the bar I order a cappuccino, keeping a stray eye at the girl by the window. Even after all these years, I can still see the girl I used to antagonize in the library, nose always deep in a book. Sighing I steeled myself into continuing the path over to her table.
"Is this seat taken?"
Jerking slightly in surprise, I glance up. "Draco. Um, sure. Take a seat."
I remark slowly, marking my place and shutting the book as I watched him take a seat. In front of us was the glass windows that looked out into Diagon Alley that now had a steady stream of people moving in both directions.
"I see that time hasn't changed you too much and that you still get so lost in your books that you don't know I'm there until I speak." Draco teased, taking a moment to sip his drink.
"Very funny. How are you doing?"
"I'm good, had a few hours to myself before I pick up Scorpius at my mother's. I was walking by when I saw you in the window and thought you shouldn't be buried in a book on such a beautiful day."
I smile softly, finally take a sip of the coffee that was now cold. Damn. Did I really space out for that long that I forgot about my drink? "I'll have you know, this is very relaxing. Did he spend the night there?"
"Yes, my mother likes to have him over a few times a month on the weekends. Where he can stay the night and she can spend the next day with him as well. As her only grandchild she spoils him like I've never seen before." Draco states shaking his head at the end.
"I can imagine. That's great that she's so involved and it gives you a break."
"Oh yes, she would be more involved if I let her but I want him to know that even if he knows he can get everything he wants at Nana's that the real World doesn't work like that. I want him to learn what I didn't; which is sometimes you have to work to earn something you want."
I blinked and looked at him again. Was this really the same guy I knew in school?
"You're giving me that shocked look." He muttered, giving me a scowl over the rim of his cup.
"Can you blame me? I am just surprised, it's been a long time."
"Well you have been interacting with me for the last two months, I hope you still don't think of me as what I was like as a teenager."
"No of course not but two months is still rather new. Anyway though, what were you planning on doing with your free time since you get it all to yourself?" I ask with a smile taking another sip of my coffee before resigning myself that it wasn't even worth attempting to drink.
"Coffee was the first thing on my list but after that it changed once I saw you in the window."
"Oh really?" What the hell? Am I that crazy or is he flirting with me? I wish I actually did drink my coffee when it was hot.
"Yes. I'm hoping you're free of course."
"I am." He smiled, placing his cup on the table, his eyes sparking when they met mine. Dear lord, this man is going to be the death of me.
"Good. Will you be finishing that cold cup of coffee or can we get out of here?"
"Where are we going exactly?" I ask rolling my eyes.
"Don't worry about that, come on let's go. You can read when you're old." Draco remarked standing up and looking at me expectantly.
"Really." I retort at his sass about my reading habits.
Following him out the door and into the sunlight warming my face. I followed him as he took me to an apparition spot before stopping and holding out his hand, with a mischievous smile on his face.
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
His smiled widened, giving a glimpse of the once teenage boy. Accepting his hand I felt the familiar whoosh that aparition did to you and I felt a firm arm around my waist as we landed; keeping me in place so I wouldn't stumble. Taking in the new environment, I took my time before saying anything. We were in some kind of field, long grass waving in the wind as the sun continued to glare down at us. A soft undertone of insects and birds moving about the area.
"Are we still in England?"
I ask turning slightly so I could look up at him only to realize just how close in proximity we were to each other. If I stood on my tiptoes I would be able to kiss him. What?! No - I mean. Damn it! I shake the thought away and once more focus on what he was saying.
"Yes. It's a bit of a walk but, I think you'll like the surprise."
I hummed softly in response and allowed him to steer me to the left before his hand slowly fell from my hips, trailing his fingertips down my body until they no longer could touch me. I fought back the urge to shiver as I fell in step with him as we made our way through the hip length grass.
"I have to say this has to be a very spur of the moment surprise. Bringing me to a random field in England." I remark casually hoping to not have awkward silence.
"You'll see."
The ground began to dip as we started walking downslope and the landscape opened up more and soon even trees began to become more sparse as we stepped onto a treaded path. Well this at least told me it was used regularly but why was still a mystery.
"How old is your son?" I ask, trying to come up with small talk.
"He's six. It's hard to believe how fast He grew up." Draco replies with a small smile lingering on his face.
"Okay, he's right in between the same ages as Harry's and Hermione's kids." I remark putting his age around out the boys.
"Yes. I was married in the same year as them. I would dare say a lot of the people who went to Hogwarts with us got married once the war was over."
I nodded thoughtfully, as we continued to trek through the trees, glancing about at all the different types of plants that were growing alongside the path. I sometimes forget that everyone basically got married after the war ended. I missed a lot of weddings because I was in America at the time. The trees began to clear away and the path opened to another large field but what was different was, farther off a Quidditch Field could be seen.
"Are we where I think we are?" I asked stopping to look at Draco, a small smile forming.
"That is the training fields for the Puddlemere United. They are here practicing before the game next weekend." Draco remarked smirking softly, "I thought perhaps we'd go watch them practice?"
"Seriously. Can we even do that?" I exclaim in shock as I finally begin to follow him.
He laughs, "I'm a Malfoy. Of course it's possible. Even so, the Malfoy Company has stakes in their team so we have extra privileges."
"This is crazy! I can't believe this is your surprise."
"I remember that you used to love watching the game and that you'd even be at the practices." Draco replied shrugging his shoulders.
"I'm shocked. I wasn't expecting something like this or that you'd remembered all of that."
I shook my head slightly and wondered slightly if the butterflies in my stomach were more than justified at the rate our conversation had been going since the coffee shop.
"I remember everything about us at Hogwarts." Draco replies softly, not looking at me, "They are some of my better memories of my school years."
My face felt flush and I couldn't help my mind from reeling about his confession. When I woke up this morning, I never pictured us hanging out. Yet the more we kept seeing each other the harder it was for me to deny the fact that I was still extremely attracted to him.
"Come on. If we keep stopping every five seconds we won't get there." Draco states, breaking up my thoughts.
When we finally got down to the stadium entrance you could see them in the sky flying about and chatter in the air as they kept yelling between each other. The security didn't even blink an eye when we showed up and I couldn't help but be envious at how much just being a Malfoy meant extra privileges. Taking the stairs, I let Draco lead us to what I assumed was a viewing box. Of course it also gave me a chance to shamelessly ogle his ass.
"Mr. Malfoy, miss. Welcome, should you need anything just let me know and it'll be provided for you." A man said as he brought us to the a viewing box.
"Thank you. Bring some food and something to drink up here." Draco states in a deadpan manner as the guys bows and leaves the area.
It was one of the larger seats, that had tables and couches set up in the back and lounging seats up in the front that overlooked the field. It was the nicest spots I had ever been too.
"Are you going to stand all day or you going to come take a seat?"
Blinking, I glance over to find Draco already sprawled out on chair with his long legs on a rest, "Sorry. Just never been here before. Have to savor it while I can."
His eyes followed me as I cut the distance and finally took a seat next to him, "We'll have to change that."
I raised an eyebrow before shouting from the air caused me to watch as the team continued to practice their maneuvers. Zooming in loops around each other as bludgers were smacked across to each side. It was always exhilarating to watch Quidditch, streaming through the air, barely missing a near fatal hit and of course the thrill of catching the snitch.
"This is a great surprise. Thank you Draco." I states glancing over at him.
He had this smirk on his face as he listened and nodded in response as we went back to watching the players, making comments back and forth on how we thought they were doing. Soon after we were interrupted when food and drinks were brought in and placed at the table. We migrated over as we made a plate of light snacks.
"Do you think they'll be able to win next weekend?" I asked Draco as we headed back over to our seats.
"I should hope so. How is the food?" Draco remarks glancing over at me.
"Good, thank you." I replied before a random thought came to me, "Do you think anyone else found that hidden room you showed me at Hogwarts? It makes you wonder how many secret rooms that people have found over the years and it's forgotten again until someone stumbles across it."
"I'm sure someone will stumble upon it or Hogwarts will show them if they're in need of it. Lot of memories in that room."
He remarked chuckling softly, before sending a wink over my way. Yes. There were a lot of memories in that room. From staying out late past curfew, playing chess together and eating food we snuck from the kitchens too of course, our first time fooling around. God- so many memories. He was the first boy I ever kissed and the guy I lost my virginity to.
"You are right about that. You know, I've been curious about your story. You've asked me about me moving to the States and coming back to London. What about you?" I ask in between the salad I was currently eating.
He laughed slightly, glancing over at me before focusing back on the players, "After I was found clear from the charges brought against me from the Wizengamot, my mother and I were sentenced to a year of house arrest and the obligation to fund money to certain organizations. It was a long year- a lot of emotions to deal with after the trail of failures and actions I took. It wasn't a good time." Draco began, speaking in a low tone, continuing to watch the players. "I was angry a lot of the time and my mother was an emotional mess and to be stuck in the Manor… with all the memories and evil that was brought into the house and committed there. It wasn't good."
I hummed thoughtfully as he paused for a moment to take a sip of his beer, "Once they deemed that we followed the rules after almost two years because they would drag out the court hearings, we were allowed to enter society. My mother promptly left for France to one of our summer homes and I stayed in a flat in London. During my house arrest my mother was pushing to see me get married off to a good pureblood girl, whose family stayed out of the War. Mostly in the hopes that it would start to bring up the Malfoy name after my father damaged it with Voldemort. I met Astoria Greengrass at one of my mother's functions."
"She went to school with us, didn't she?" I ask when he paused.
"Yes she was two grades older than us. Her sister Daphne was in our grade, both were in Slytherin of course. My mother pressured the relationship and at the time I didn't see the point of fighting it. She was everything a pureblood girl was supposed to be and so we started dating. Long story short, a year later we were married and before we knew it, she was pregnant."
He pauses and gets up to refill his drink and mine before settling back down. Telling this story you could see what it does to him, worry lines had appeared on his forehead and the weight of his past on his shoulders. This wasn't the normal side that he's been showing to me and this felt a bit more real; that he wasn't always this overly confident guy.
"It was a shod of a marriage and I wasn't happy but I couldn't divorce her, especially when she told me she was pregnant. I fought and paid a lot of money to keep it out of the papers but when Scorpius was two I filed for divorce intent to have full custody."
"That's crazy. I mean I heard that you got divorced but hearing everything all together it seems just- insane." I muttered, shaking my head.
"It was insane. Thankfully I was able to keep the reason for it out of the papers and to this day, only a few people know the reason behind it." Draco began leaning over his chair, his grey eyes boring into mine. "She didn't want much to do with raising Scorpius and we argued about it constantly. I wanted to be involved and I wanted her to be also; he should be raised by his parents not a nanny. I also found out she wasn't faithful after having Scorpius. The courts granted custody to me and here we are."
"Wow. How did her family take the news and your mum?"
"They were all furious. I was able to get my mom to see the truth and she then supported me. The Greengrass family still have it out for me but they can go fuck themselves. They tried to convince the courts that I was the one cheating and sleeping around with half the wizarding world."
"My god. Well I'm sorry that you had to go through all that, especially as a new parent on top that." I remarked shaking my head.
"I think you're the only one that actually feels bad about it. People still have a hard time feeling bad for a Malfoy." Draco remarked sarcastically.
"Either way, sorry. I'm assuming Astoria doesn't have visitation rights?"
"She does but she doesn't ever use them."
I nodded thoughtfully and silence fell over us as the we went back to watching the team play. What the hell of a story and to add the responsibilities of a child on top of that. He seems like a great parent but then again I haven't interacted with Scorpius or seen the two of them together. It seems like he still hasn't caught much of a break, through everything that has gone on in his life.
"What time to you have to get Scorpius?"
"After dinner. My mother will want to have him for as long as she can."
"Okay, let's take a walk back and maybe grab drinks?" I suggest locking eyes with him.
"Sure. I know of a spot we can go."
After leaving the stadium we headed back out onto the dirt path that would take us to the apparition spot and to wherever Draco would take me. It was still hot out but a breeze had picked up making the heat bearable. We continued to talk on the way from talking more about Quidditch, filling him in on how and what my friends were doing. Taking his hand once more I allowed him to direct us to the next spot. When we finally stopped I found we were in an alleyway with brick cobblestones heading out into the main street.
"Am I allowed to ask where we are now?" I remark turning towards him.
"There is this hole in the wall bar in an upstairs loft above some craft store. Good drinks and good food."
Draco replies grinning down at me, his face obscured by the shadows coming off the buildings next to us. He reached out and grabbed my hand as he began to lead me farther down the alley. Our hands intertwined, I couldn't help but feel the warmth that spread from his hand to mine and a sudden jolt of nerves ran through me in pleasure. Our hands dropped when I followed him up an old metal staircase, that went up to a door on the second level.
Stepping inside we were greeted with dim lights and gleaming hardwood floors. The lights flickering above the bar where a few locals were leaned over their drinks as they spoke in soft tones. We headed for the bar and once we had our drinks Draco led us towards the front, where windows overlooked the main street. The place was everything you'd expect of a hole in the wall bar between the wood floors and the dim lights, the tables were worn but still gleaned from polish but looked everything like 50 years old. Draco took a seat as his eyes stayed locked on me as I looked out the window. We were back in Diagon Alley and across from us was the bustling book store. I never even knew that some of these buildings second floors were other businesses.
"Many don't even know this place is here." Draco began, sensing my thoughts as I took a seat, "My father took me here once when I was in my 6th year at Hogwarts. Swore never to speak of the place, especially in front of my mother."
"I never would have known this was here, if you didn't bring me here first."
"It's a nice place, just the regulars know about it. Which makes it great when you want to stay out of the public's eye."
I nodded thoughtfully as I took a sip of my mixed drink and him with his beer. While it seemed sketchy at first glance, I could see all the benefits of coming here instead of one of the popular bars where people would recognize you and would be listening to your conversation.
"Have you been enjoying working for the Company?" Draco asked glancing over at me.
"Yes, it's been great. A different type of challenge but no complaints. I can see why your Company has done so well everyone seems to work hard and love what they do."
"Good. Blaise and I have been narrowing down the list of employees who work in the investment side and should have a list of potentials."
"Sounds like a plan. Don't forget when you're ready we can always get more from the MCH Department and it will really narrow it down."
"I know, I also want us to consider the idea that the person behind this, if they don't already work in the MCH Department than they may have a rat and if we start pushing too hard we may find a problem." Draco remarked, shaking his head before running a hand through his hair.
"True but we won't know unless we start to dig a little more even with the risk of scaring the potential rat." I counter, reminding him that risk is what we'll end up doing in the long run. "On another point have you heard anything more about that Bulgaria firm?"
"Yes. The rumor is true that they're looking to set up a connection with Gringotts. I'm still not convinced it'll be completely ethical. I looked into the firm and a few on the board are still old comrades that were rumored to support Voldemort both financially and in bodies during the war. If Grant does get involved in dealing with them, he better start learning about Bulgarian politics if he wants to survive."
I hummed in agreement, taking another sip of my drink. My thoughts wandering to Jacob and this Bulgaria firm and also to Harry's current job to find Nott. I wondered if I should even ask Draco or would that be over the line?
"It could still be too early to tell. If I had to guess, when the Bulgaria firm is ready to go public they'll most likely will reach out to me over speaking with Desmerias." Draco began, setting the empty glass down before continuing, "Enough about business though, we talk about it enough during the week."
"All right then."
"We've been going around the elephant in the room, ever since I asked you to work for me." Draco states leaning towards me.
"Oh?" I ask unsure on how to respond. Was he talking about our falling out, the flirting that had been going on between us? Either way my heart stopped for a moment and all I could focus on was his grey eyes.
"I owe you an apology, for the way I treated you those last two years we saw each other." Draco began, his concentration unwavering, "I treated you horribly. Leading you on and then throwing it in your face. I was- under an immense about of pressure and I shouldn't of taken it out on you."
"Draco-"
"Let me finish. You were always there; unwavering that I would do the right thing, only to have me do the opposite. In that year of house of arrest all I could think about was all that time you tried to be there for me. How I fucked it all up by still choosing to carry out my task and how it not only put you in more danger but also made you responsible to answering your friends in what you ever saw in me. I was an asshole and a coward; I only wish I saw than what I see now."
"I hope that you can forgive me for what a dick I was to you and to our barely held together relationship." Draco remarked grabbing my hand and pulling it towards him, his eyes desperately searching mine, trying to read my answer.
"There's nothing to forgive anymore. I forgave you a long time ago." I remarked smiling softly, "Don't get me wrong I hated you for a long time, especially at the end of 6th year and what would have been my last year of Hogwarts. I had always assumed that during the battle of Hogwarts when I ran into you, that it showed you I was no longer mad or for that fact that I testified at your trial."
He shook his head but kept a firm grip on my hand, "I didn't know what to think of it. All I could think about when you flung yourself at me, was how great it was to have you in my arms and that it felt like years since it had last happened. I didn't want to question why you'd let me touch you, let alone snog you. At the time I was too afraid that speaking would kill what could have been my last memory of the two of us."
"At the trial I was barely even there, lost deep in my thoughts and emotions. I mean I remember you being there and talking but that was at my lowest. I was fully convinced that I was going to slowly lose my sanity in Azkaban before finally dying."
"Draco."
"No it's all right. I deserved it after being a coward and if not than I would not have learned and become the man I am today. A part of me has always wanted to right the wrongs that I did to you but I wasn't really sure how to say it."
"It's forgiven. Life has moved on and I've learned that you need to let things go if you want to enjoy the present, instead of getting lost in the past."
He smiled and squeezed my hand, "Thank you. Hearing you say that means a lot to me."
I smiled and he got up to grab us another round of drinks, leaving me to absorb his confession and the shock at how badly he wanted to make things with us okay. I glanced over to where he leaned over the bar, ordering our drinks and I couldn't help admire how much he did grow up. I assumed most had a lot do with becoming a father but also just time to deal with his past and his issues. Soon he was sauntering back to the table with our drinks in his hand and his famous Malfoy grin.
"Here's to a new chapter." He states, raising his glass up and clicking it with mine.
"To new chapters."
We both took a sip and settled back into chatting and I could help but notice that the air between us seemed a bit lighter than when we first sat down.
Three hours later, five drinks in and empty plates of food we finally left the pub. He insisted on getting me home safely and that was exactly what we were attempting at. With a hand wrapped firmly around my waist, we chuckled together as he led us to an apparition spot just outside the ally way. We headed up the stairs to the second floor where my apartment was located, until we stopped outside my door.
"This is me." I remarked in a slower manner, the alcohol affecting my speech and thoughts.
"I guess so." Draco remarked, his hand still tightly around my waist as I still leaned up against him.
Sighing I finally managed to find my keys and unlocked the door before finally turning to him. His eyes were a molten grey, his clothes wrinkled from use and I couldn't stop as my body felt a jolt go through them, want.. no need. I barely even heard myself as I asked him to come in, too lost in the smile that captured his face and chiseled jawline.
Turing I moved out of the way as he followed in, taking in my apartment as I closed the door and locked it. I dropped my purse and keys on the kitchen counter before I finally turned to see him watching me with predator eyes.
