I Like It Here

by malvika.m

Draco Malfoy is in love with Hermione Granger, has been since the past two years. Draco doesn't have a clue about confessing his feelings for the witch. He is also hiding at the Manor, only because of one cancelled plan. How does one make their first move with a witch as brilliant as Hermione? Like always, the answer may be found in a library.

I

January

It was the first day of a new year and Draco Malfoy, nursing a hangover courtesy the Weasley's annual NYE bash, opened up his phone and made a note:

Resolutions for 2018:

1.Refuse invitations to a Weasley party for the next three weeks

2.Stop pining for Hermione Granger in secret and ask her out (it is about time!)

That was Draco Malfoy's resolution list. Whether it was doable or not was only up to the young Malfoy heir.

x

It was only the second weekend of the year when Draco broke his first resolution. After Molly's Saturday brunch, the Weasley kids had opened up a bottle of wine to 'unwind' (what they needed to unwind from was unclear to everyone) which led to another bottle and then several more. And because he had participated with shameful hesitation, a drunk Draco had spilled a lot of secrets, including his second resolution to several of his friends.

"Mate, did you know I am in love with Granger?" he whispered to Ron, who he had grown closer to than any of the other Weasley kids.

"No shitting!" the drunk redhead laughed.

Ginny, who was seated between the two of them, rolled her eyes.

"Draco, please tell us something all of wizarding London doesn't know by now."

"Don't interrupt us Ginny, Draco has something important to share," Ron laughed louder. Draco pouted, knowing well that the siblings were pulling his leg.

"This revelation would have been shocking if you hadn't been as obvious as me in Snape's class," Neville said from his other side, patting him on the head with a pitiful look on his face.

Oh, how the tables turn. Here was Neville, once upon the shyest boy in their year, now one of the most-sought after men in London. The title didn't matter, of course, since Neville was living in domestic bliss with his Hogwarts sweetheart Theo Nott. And then there was Draco, who had been pining for Hermione Granger since the past two years, unable to confess his feelings to her.

"I have resolved to tell her, by the way," he said to no one in particular.

"It's about time," Neville said and the Weasley siblings nodded in agreement.

"But she may reject me. I am sure she has better prospects."

"Malfoy, we are not listening to your sob stories again while drinking. Tell us one reason why she would say no to you," Ron scolded him. It was good that Hermione had left the party early otherwise he was sure she would have known they were discussing her.

"To begin with, I am a Malfoy."

"She doesn't care," Ron said.

"Your estate has one of the largest libraries in England, she would never miss out on that," Neville added.

Luna, who had joined the four of them, whispered, "I have a good feeling about this."

Draco didn't want to break her heart but sometimes Luna's good feelings ended not so well.

"If she cared about your name, she would not be your friend today," Ginny added in.

"Thanks, Ginevra, so assured."

"Merely stating facts here!"

"Do it without hurting a bloke's constantly depleting confidence, will you?"

"Always the dramatics, Malfoy, always," she smirked. "Now, who wants more wine?"

And that is how, for the second time in the new year, Draco Malfoy made an addition to his resolution list:

Resolutions for 2018:

1.Refuse invitations to a Weasley party for the next three weeks

2.Stop pining for Hermione Granger in secret and ask her out (it is about time!)

3.Never be the last one to leave the weekly Weasley brunch

x

Draco Malfoy was shopping for books, his favorite end-of-month ritual, when he bumped into Hermione Granger. It wasn't a surprise because this happened on a regular basis with the two friends, especially at the newly opened Muggle and wizarding bookstore in Diagon Alley.

"Draco!" Hermione wrapped him in a tight hug.

"Hello, Granger, fancy seeing you here," Draco teased.

"Are you on your monthly book shopping trip?"

"Yes."

"Are you looking for something specific?" she smiled up at him. They were standing close enough, all Draco would have to do is take one step to be able to kiss her hair. "Draco?"

"I do have that list you sent me last week to pick from," he told her, sure his face was turning red. It was their secret, sending lists and letters about books to each other.

Over the course of their friendship, Draco and Hermione made several personal traditions. The two had become friends two years after graduating from Hogwarts, only because Draco was close to Ron and Ginny (who played on the national Quidditch team with him). The two had hit it off from the beginning, minus Draco's excessive apologizing which annoyed Hermione, and had become close friends. This wasn't a surprise since Draco and Hermione shared a lot of interests and personality traits. Their friends were now waiting for the day both realized they should be more than friends but in the words of Ron Weasley, sucks that books can't teach you feelings.

"No!" she shrieked. She looked around the bookstore, afraid she had disturbed other patrons, and blushed. Oh my god, she is irresistible, he thought. "Forget about that list, I bought a few presents for you."

"It's so like you to reveal your gifts. What's the occasion, Granger?"

"It isn't like us to need an occasion to buy books for each other," she smirked. She looked cute with a smile but that smirk killed Draco every single time.

"True, it isn't. Needless to say, I want the books at the earliest, do you want to come over for dinner soon?"

"I will get dessert, as is tradition."

"You are the best," he said, messing with her hair which got to her every time.

"I will text you, yeah? I have to head back to work."

"Granger, it's seven."

"It's a busy day at the department." As the youngest Head of Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Hermione Granger (aged only 24) was a busy woman. Although everyone knew how hardworking the witch was, her average 12-hour work days worried her friends and family.

"Of course," he flashed her an understanding look, "text me when you get home, please. I'd like to be the first one to know if you've collapsed in a dusty Ministry office."

"Of course, Malfoy!" she smirked as she exited through the bookstore doors. Draco sighed. If I didn't love this witch, I would be agitated with all the worrying.

He texted Ginny, his go-to person for all things Hermione.

'I need help, Ginevra.'

'What did she do now?' He could always count on Ginny for a quick reply.

'I can't take this anymore. I need a plan to ask her out.'

'No such thing. I am assuming you have a meal planned soon, ask her if she's interested in dating you.'

'How did you know?'

'You two always make a dinner plan when you bump into each other at Diagon Alley.'

'You remember?'

'I am a person who wants two of my closest friends to get together and shag already, of course I remember!'

'Stop, it isn't like that.'

'Are you telling me you have *never* fantasized about Hermione?'

'Shut up.'

'Ha ha, have a good night, Draco. I am seeing you tomorrow at mine with Blaise, yeah?'

'I need to stop playing matchmaker for the two of you.'

'Bring your expensive wine, xx.' And with that, he knew he wouldn't get a reply from Ginny.

The next afternoon, he sent a surprise for Ginny Weasley. Making an elaborate excuse, he sent his best friend Blaise Zabini alone to Ginny's house, with a rare wine his grandfather had made at their estate in France.

'Have fun, Ginevra, hope you like the tall drink, x.'

She didn't reply for the next five hours but when she texted, he almost wished he hadn't read her text. At least someone was getting it on with their crush, he smiled, and about time.

February

Valentine's Day was a week away and Draco was nowhere close to forming a plan to ask Hermione to go out with him. His friends had been of no help (no surprise there) and he was sick with obsessing over a plan.

He was seated with Ron and Ginny at Three Broomsticks, getting drunk to cure his hopelessness.

"Has she mentioned another man, Ginny?" he asked his friend.

"No, you would have known. If you weren't as blind as a bat, you would see that she adores you."

"Don't flatter me."

"What is the purpose of conversation if you sulk and blame yourself every time? You are a great friend, Draco, and you are a fucking catch. Can you just stop beating around the bush and ask her out before it's too late?"

"What do you mean, before it's too late? There is another man! I am DOOMED!" he cried by the end of the sentence which earned him a smack from both the siblings. "Hey!"

"There is no other man but you know there could be."

Ginny sighed, tired of the discussion.

"I am sorry, let's discuss something else. How are things with Blaise?" he asked her. His best friend had given him enough updates, most of which made Draco want to puke, but he was yet to ask Ginny about this new relationship.

"Blaise is the most perfect man to shag," she smirked while Ron choked on his drink next to her.

"I am glad," Draco smiled. He knew Ginny had more feelings than that statement but she was never the one to share them until she wanted to. "You owe me one, remember."

"Why do you think I am sitting here with you on a Saturday night instead of shagging him? Let's get you that date before Valentine's Day!"

x

12th February

Draco gathered courage and invited Hermione to dinner at his house in Muggle London. He had lived alone since leaving Hogwarts, much to his mother's disappointment, but he wanted to be independent. Moreover, he had no desire of sleeping in the same house that had once been headquarters to Voldemort and his cronies.

The first year had been tough, of course, and he had survived on pub food and delicious but harmful packaged food. A few days in the hospital due to a stomach flu and Draco invested in cooking lessons and cookbooks. It started as a healthy measure but he found himself enjoying the process of cooking for himself and his loved ones. And today was the most special of occasions – Hermione was coming over for dinner – and Draco was going a little overboard but that was okay. He wouldn't be a Malfoy if he didn't overcompensate.

'Draco, what are you cooking tonight? I am confused about dessert', Hermione texted him as he was preparing the table for them.

'Don't get dessert tonight, I have it sorted.'

'Look at you breaking our traditions. What's next in store for me, Draco?' Wait, was she flirting with him?

'You won't have to wait for long to find out, Granger, xx.' He was definitely flirting with her.

'See you in half an hour, I am finishing a document at work.'

'Granger, don't stand me up for work.'

'Very few things in the world I will stand you up for, Malfoy,' she texted and sent him a photo of herself smirking. This woman will kill me, he thought, settling on the couch until Hermione joined him, which he knew would be later than she mentioned.

"I am so sorry, Draco, I swear it wasn't me. I was leaving but one French minister stopped by and we were sent to a meeting," she gushed even as she hugged him at the door. "Forgive me."

"That's okay, I took a nap knowing you'd be late," he smirked.

"Unfair!" she swatted him. "As a peace offering, I got dessert. I know you've made dessert but who says we can't eat more?" She handed him a bag from his favorite bakery, knowing completely well that Draco was a sucker for the desserts made there.

"You are a smart politician, Granger, I love you."

Was she blushing?

The two sat for dinner, discussing books and the elaborate dishes Draco had made for the night. He was glad his effort made her happy because nothing else could compare to the feeling of making Hermione smile.

"You went all out today!" she said as she cleared everything away with magic and settled on his couch.

"I wanted to do something special tonight," he smiled.

"Thank you."

"That's weird, Granger, you've never thanked me for feeding you. Are you still compensating for coming late? I have a few more suggestions for you to plead forgiveness." Shifting into dangerous territory, he warned himself.

"Tell me one," she smirked.

He hesitated and then, "What are you doing day after?"

"I have meetings lined up all day. Why?"

"Let's go to the Manor, I'll give you that library tour I promised you ages ago."

"Draco!" she hit him in her excitement.

"That hurts, Granger!"

"You can't spring it on me like this, I need to prepare myself."

"You have time."

"No, two days isn't enough time, especially if it's in the middle of the week. But, yes, of course!" she jumped.

"It's settled then. I will pick you up near the Ministry, do you mind if we drive down? It will be nice to drive somewhere outside the city."

"Draco, this sounds so perfect. You are the most perfect friend," she hugged him.

Draco relaxed in her embrace. One step to asking her out was done and the final deed would be done while they wander in the Manor library. Sending a prayer out to the forces, he whispered, "You are perfect too, Granger."

x

Valentine's Day

Draco had been waiting for Hermione in his car since the past 20 minutes. No, she wasn't late, it was Draco's nerves that made him arrive earlier than planned. Another five minutes and it will be time.

'Good luck,' Ginny texted him, aware of his plan.

'I have faith in you, Malfoy', Ron wrote on their group chat. Harry replied with a bunch of emojis which were obscene enough to make Draco blush.

'Granger, I am waiting near the café, see you soon,' he texted her. 'Don't be late or else Mother will force us to sleep at the Manor. I do not wish that upon either of us.'

Ten minutes after he texted her and she was still a no-show. He called her but only got through her assistant, who said she was in a meeting.

"Fuck," he cursed as he hung up on her assistant. Another ten minutes passed and no word from her.

'Granger, where are you?' he texted, hoping she would read his message. As soon as he hit send, her face flashed on his phone.

"Oh my god, Granger, thank you. I thought you were bailing on me," he sighed.

"Draco? I am sorry, I will have to cancel tonight. I have an important meeting with that French minister I was telling you about the other night."

"Granger," he whispered, on the verge of crying. He knew something would go wrong with the plan. I deserve it, he thought to himself, I am taking her under false pretext after all.

"I will make it up to you, I promise. I am sorry, Draco, I know how much this means to you."

"Yes, Hermione, I will see you," he said and hung up. He wanted to text someone but he knew his friends were on dates or had other plans for the day. He was going to have to deal with this crushing feeling all by himself until tomorrow morning.

Well, him and his bottles of alcohol.

x

Two days later, Draco woke up with another hangover. He hadn't looked at his phone since the evening Hermione had ditched him but he knew it was time to check his messages or else Ginny Weasley would barge through his doors, demanding he grow up. Nothing she hadn't done before.

He saw her latest message: 'D, are you okay? I am coming over with breakfast. Hang in there.' She arrived soon after, entering with her set of keys to his house. Draco expected her to hit him but instead she enveloped in a tight hug.

"It's okay, Ginny, I will live."

"You look like shit but I am guessing you haven't seen the tabloids. I talked to Hermione and as always, the tabloids are spreading shit about her." Before he could ask her what she was on about, she thrust a magazine in his hands. The cover page said 'Inside: Hermione Granger's Latest Lover Boy?'.

"What are they talking about?" he asked as he flipped to the page and, well, fuck. There she was with the French minister (he was young and very hot) exiting a pub opposite the Ministry. Deep down, Draco knew that it was a work meeting and the trashy magazine had blurred their colleagues who might have been with them but in his current state, this shit hurt.

"Draco?" Ginny asked as she handed him his breakfast. Had he zoned out for long?

"Thanks, for being here," he whispered.

"I talked to her yesterday and heard that she cancelled. I am sorry."

He laughed, for there was nothing else he could do. "You have nothing to be sorry about, I was daft enough to think my plan would work."

"It would have, it still can," she tried to assure him.

"I really appreciate it but for now, I'd like to take a break from thinking about how much of a loser I am. I am headed to the Manor tonight for a few days. Please don't tell everyone about it?"

Ginny looked at him with pity, patting his head and not saying anything else. This was why Draco and her got along well, they respected and understood each other's moods.

"Do you mind if I stay here with you all day?" she asked after his first bout of crying.

"Get to work, Ginevra, we need our star player training hard for the next season."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, please. I have to pack and buy a gift for Mother; I will be fine."

"If there's anything, literally anything you want me to do for you, reach out to me. I swear to Merlin, if you take a rash decision, I will hex you to hell."

"You are always of such great help," he smirked. "Get going now, I will call you soon."

That evening, Draco Malfoy left for the Manor for safety, and that in itself was a reflection on how shitty his life felt at the moment.

March

When Draco told Ginny that he was going to the Manor for a few days, he was lying through his teeth. He wanted to be away for a while, not because there were rumors of Granger dating another man. He knew she wasn't but because he believed that no matter how hard he tried, the universe would conspire to ruin his plans and along with that, his confidence.

Draco had holed up in the Manor throughout February, not to the delight of Narcissa Malfoy and Ginny Weasley. Both the witches had tried to get Draco outside the Manor and failed several times. He refused to train in the Manor Quidditch fields which worried Ginny. There was no way she would allow him to sabotage his Quidditch career because of one cancelled plan! No way in fucking hell! She thought of several elaborate plans but none sounded perfect like the one she came up with Blaise and Ron one drunken evening.

The plan had worked for Draco, which made it worth an attempt trying on him as well.

"There's something for you at the door, darling," his mother called out to Draco. It was already March, not like days mattered. All he did was read and sleep, a perfect life indeed.

"Can't you just take it, Mother? Must you always be like this?" he yelled as he stomped down the stairs.

"Well, she looks rather heavy," his mother smirked and disappeared into one of her private rooms.

"What-?" He looked at the doorway and was shocked. There she was, looking as radiant as she did in his memories. "Granger?"

"Long time no see, Draco!" she smiled, her confidence unwavering.

"What are you doing here?" One of the reasons Draco had been hiding (there was no other word for it) at the Manor for so long was because he was aware Hermione wouldn't come here alone. She had endured enough nightmarish incidents in this house to not want to see the place in her life again. Of course, Narcissa had changed the once dreary mansion to a brighter home but their memories stayed.

"I came to visit you!" she hugged him. Merlin, I missed this, he thought as he squeezed her.

"Uh, let's go upstairs to my room," he said and led her up a couple of staircases to his bedroom. His room had remained the same, he never wanted to change what was once his comfort space. There were still traces of his teenage years – a liquor cart (now empty), dark walls, posters of his Quidditch and academic heroes – which stood in contrast with the pastel curtains and pillows Narcissa had sneaked in here in his absence.

"This is where the charming Malfoy heir grew up," she remarked with a smirk. Merlin.

"Yes, this very hellhole," he sighed. "How are you, Granger? It's strange to see you here."

"I mustered up all the courage I had. Oh, I got a gift for you, Ginny insisted on it," she said and extracted a bottle from her tiny bag. It was a wine from the Malfoy vineyard but older than the one Draco had sent as a gift with Blaise.

"Fucking redheads," he smiled.

"How are you?"

"I am good, dealing with whatever shit is being thrown at me."

"I haven't talked to you since I stood you up on Valentine's Day." She wasn't here to beat around the bush, typical Granger.

"Yes, we haven't."

"I am sorry."

"Granger, it's okay, I can handle one cancelled plan."

"No, it was an important thing, I am sorry my work got in between our plans."

"Me too."

"Was that the reason you are upset or is it something else?" Hermione looked unsure asking that question. Draco knew what she was implying and he sure took the bait.

"It was nothing related to that night, Granger. I am a grown man; I can handle the rejection despite having been Hogwarts' resident heartbreaker for several years."

"Why are you hiding at Malfoy Manor? I don't mean to be a bitch but you hate sleeping here. I know you enough to understand your feelings about this place."

"I wanted space."

"From your friends who didn't know where the fuck you were? I had to threaten Ron to tell me last week. Do you know how fucking worried I was?"

"Sorry, Granger. It wasn't my friends I wanted space from. I have been beating myself up way too much, it has been the way of living since school, and I want to change that," he said, sliding down to the floor. "I am aware of all the ways this is harming me, I shouldn't have to live like this anymore but I cannot let go of my past actions. I want this to stop. If this means I have to hide at the Manor and face the very demons that made me leave this house, I will do it. I understand your concern, Granger, it has been tough. It has also been wonderful living with Mother except the times she was yelling at me to take a shower or get out of her house. I have missed her and I can't imagine how she's dealt with living here without anyone to keep her company."

Hermione looked at him with a look he couldn't decipher, turning around once she realized Draco was aware of her stares. She sat down next to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

"Draco," she whispered.

"Granger." This felt unfamiliar territory to Draco. He had talked about his feelings with Hermione several times in the past but he had never been close to a breakdown in her presence. He didn't know what the witch was thinking and he was okay not knowing for now.

"I missed you, Draco."

"I missed you as well, Granger."

"When are you coming home? I miss receiving books as gifts and your meals."

"I will be home soon."

"I suppose you won't define soon for me," she smirked up at him.

"You will be the first to know, Granger," he smiled.

Once she left the Manor, Draco went looking for his mother. He found her in the gardens, tending to her famed roses.

"Hello, Mother."

"Did Miss Granger leave?"

"Yes, she had to report to work."

"That girl is always working, isn't she?"

"She will continue doing so till her last breath."

"Is that one of the reasons you love her so much?" His mother looked at him the first time since he had joined him.

"Yes," he sighed, "it remains a mystery to me."

"People have loved for stranger reasons." Draco knew she was talking about Lucius.

"Mother."

She smiled, ridding her face of the sadness that had appeared a second ago. "She is a wonderful girl; I can see why you admire her."

"I regret telling you things, Mother," he smiled. "I am glad you admire her as well. Blaise told me you've been part of the Elf Welfare with her department."

"That friend of yours never shuts up."

"It's not something to be ashamed of, you could have told me."

"You would've accused me of having ulterior motives! I did not want you thinking I was doing it to get to know Miss Granger better just because you love her."

"True, I would have and I do, now that you've mentioned it," he grinned.

"Go to your room, Draco!" she laughed. "Pack your bags, I want you out of this house by the end of this week."

II

April

Draco Malfoy returned to London in April. He was sure he would have been kicked off the team if he decided to skip summer training. Oliver Wood was an understanding coach but he sure wasn't someone who would allow his Seeker (or any other player) to slack off five months before the tournament.

The month passed by in a blur. Draco had missed twenty days of training in March which meant he barely found time to stay off the field and meet friends and family. At last, on the final Sunday of the month, the coach gave the team a rest day. Ginny bet it was because Oliver wanted to get laid but Ginny said that about everyone.

"I cannot believe I am at the Burrow; I have missed you lot," Draco said as he hugged Molly in her kitchen.

"You've been gone for far too long," the older witch admonished him.

"I know," he smiled. "I brought an apology gift in the form of a pie."

"You are the most wonderful boy," she shouted to make sure her sons heard her but they rolled their eyes or snickered.

"Hello, Draco!" Hermione shouted from the first floor, accompanied by the sound of her running down the creaking stairs. He was waiting for her at the bottom of the staircase but nothing prepared him for the force she put in her hug, making him stumble.

"Hi there, Granger," he laughed.

"I missed you."

"I missed you as well," he whispered. He sniffed at her hair, knowing how creepy his action was, but he loved her hair smelt.

"You have been training hard," she laughed as she looked at him.

"Well, I am not the best Seeker for nothing," he smirked.

"You look better than the last time I saw you. Should I send a 'thank-you' card to Oliver?"

He smiled at her. It was nice seeing her like this after so many months. He was in a better place than March and he had several friends to thank for it, most of all Ginny who had kept a check on him as well kept him in check.

The two joined the others, knowing they wouldn't get time alone to catch up at the Burrow. Lunch was like every other meal at the Burrow – filled with food, chaos, and laughter. Draco, who hadn't done much except play Quidditch in the past month, was grateful for this day. He had missed being here, in the company of the Weasleys and their friends. He missed the unfiltered joy that filled this home, a place he couldn't believe he had made fun of half his life but it was wonderful to have his biases shattered by this clan.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Hermione asked from across him, licking on pie from a spoon. Merlin, fuck me.

"I zoned out, sorry," he smiled and left it at that. He knew better than to share his thoughts out loud. He didn't want the others to confuse his gratitude with wallowing.

"When are you calling me over for dinner? I have two months' worth of books to gift you," the witch-after-his-own-heart beamed at Draco.

"Let's do it soon, I will have a look at my schedule."

"That's such a Hermione Granger thing to say."

"Well, Hermione Granger gets what Hermione Granger gives," he smirked.

"Good, that means I am receiving tons of books as well."

"I haven't been to a bookstore after returning to the city," he replied which made her gasp.

"We need to change that! Let's do a bookstore run before the dinner, I have so much to show you!"

"It's a date, Granger," he winked before heading to help the others in the kitchen.

May

Two weeks passed and Draco didn't find time to talk to Hermione Granger, much less invite her to dinner. It was finally the day he was seeing her although his plan to cook a special meal for her was ruined as he was caught up with training.

The doorbell rang, alerting him of the food being delivered. But it was Hermione, holding the takeout food boxes in her hands.

"Draco Malfoy, are you feeding me food from a restaurant?" she faked disappointment.

"I was running late from practice today, Granger, it can happen to everyone," he said taking the food from her hand. She looked hurt at his statement. "Sorry, I didn't mean it to be harsh."

"It's okay, that's the only dig I'll allow you," she smiled, making him laugh.

"How are you?" He looked her up and down as she got out of her jacket. She was wearing a Slytherin green dress, a color Draco loved seeing on her, and her red lips looked freshly done – enough for Draco to want to wipe the lipstick off with his mouth.

"I am good," her words interrupted his fantasies. "It has been an easier month at work for me."

"You must be shattered," he joked. He understood Hermione's need to be productive but at the same time, he was worried she would work herself to a burnout. "I am glad, Granger, you need to be introduced to regular working hours."

"For your information, Malfoy, I am on my way to building boundaries between work and life," she grinned.

"It's about time," he sighed. "Let's eat, I am starving."

"How is your training going?"

"We are doing good, hoping to get the cup home this time. Even though Oliver's been pushing us hard, I don't feel the exhaustion."

The two friends ate while discussing work since both had a lot to share. Along with Quidditch, Draco had been involving himself in potions research for Malfoy Industries. To say it had been rewarding to go back to books and experiments was an understatement. If there was an outsider at the dinner, they would question why these daft nerds weren't together yet (Ron and Ginny had said it numerous times before).

They settled next to each other on the floor for a movie and ice cream. It had been a long time since they had done this and Draco was glad Hermione wasn't rushing to get back home.

"I hope you like the ice cream, I made it last week."

"Excuse me?" he looked at with her with a stunned face.

"I can cook, Malfoy!"

"I know but you've never made ice cream, Granger."

"Well, I have been learning. Taste it!" she said, putting a spoon of ice cream in his mouth. Merlin, I am dead meat if this continues.

"This is delicious, Granger! I demand you make ice cream every time I cook you a meal."

"I will try," she blushed. He put his arm around her shoulders for no reason except that she looked cute and he'd rather do this instead of kiss her on whim.

"Granger?"

"Yes?"

"Before we start the movie, I want to ask you something. Please don't say no?"

"Sure?" she said with hesitation.

"We have a friendly match the weekend after the coming one and I would love it if you were there." Draco knew Hermione didn't hate Quidditch, it was hard to when you were part of the Weasley family, but she rarely attended Quidditch matches if Ginny wasn't playing.

"Of course. Do I have to get tickets?"

"No, I got you one," he smiled down at her. "Thank you."

"You've become weird, Malfoy," she punched him before playing the movie they had decided on after a lengthy debate.

It was halfway through the movie when Draco, who had been dozing, realized that Hermione had fallen asleep on his shoulder. If his body wasn't sore from being on a broom all day, Draco would have maintained this position all night long.

"Off we go, Granger," he whispered and carried her to his bed. They would share a bed, nothing they hadn't done before. Every time they partied at the Burrow, they ended up staying the night, sometimes in the same bed. It wasn't a big deal, nope. Not at all.

Fuck.

He looked at Hermione asleep on his bed, contemplating sleeping on the couch but he knew his body would curse him the next morning. He slept on the edge of the bed and though he could never have any wrong intentions, he hoped his body stayed to his side all night.

Although, it wasn't Draco who had to worry about staying away from his bedmate. Hermione had sidled up to him at some point in the night and had wrapped herself around his torso. Waking up earlier than he wanted, he looked at the witch and sighed. This has to come to an end soon, he told himself.

"Granger", he whispered. She stirred but didn't wake up. "Hermione."

She made a sound and looked up at him.

"Time to wake up, Granger." He moved from underneath her and headed to the bathroom to get dressed for the day. By the time he stepped out, Hermione had her coat on and was waiting for him by the door to say goodbye.

"Don't you want to stay for breakfast?" he asked. "It's a Saturday."

"I have to get somewhere for brunch, I will see you soon." She refused to meet his eyes for a few moments and Draco sensed something was bothering her.

"Is something wrong?"

"Not really, I don't feel too well. Bye, Draco!" she said and rushed out his door, leaving a very confused Draco behind. Frustrated with this conversation, he went back to sleep, not wanting to overthink about this situation for a minute longer on his day off.

June

It was the first weekend of June. An ordinary weekend if you weren't into Quidditch. But if you were a part of the magical world and you loved Quidditch, this weekend meant the beginning of the Quidditch season.

Draco and Ginny were up in the air, fist-bumping at another point scored by the English team. Yes, it was a friendly match but the team was in good shape and their performance today was proving that they were ready for the tournament.

"Way to go, Weasley!" a chant arose from the stands. Ginny Weasley was the most liked player of the English team and for good reason. She was an outstanding player and anyone who knew the history of Quidditch understood that she was a player par excellence.

"We haven't won the match and your fans are already going gaga," he muttered as he hovered around her.

"As they should!" she smirked and waved at the stands, resulting into louder hooting from the viewers. "Go find the Snitch, it's time."

"As you wish, princess," he smirked right back and flew away.

Half an hour later, Draco was hugging his team, celebrating their first victory of the season. Caught up with each other, Draco and the others didn't realize Hermione had joined them until she called out to them.

"Congratulations, you two," she said and hugged Ginny. Draco hadn't seen much of the witch since that night she slept in his bed and was relieved to see her today. Draco moved towards her but noticing the reporters around the team, he stepped away. He would indulge in a celebratory hug with her once they were in more private quarters.

"It's strange to see you in these parts, Granger, but glad you are here," he remarked, flashing the signatory smile reserved only for his favorite witch.

"I am here to take you with me, Malfoy, don't joke."

"Where are we going?"

"To dinner," she beamed. "Join me at the pub in an hour." And with that, she left. He rushed to the showers, thanking the gods he had brought along a nice pair of clothes. He indulged in a drink with his teammates in the dressing rooms before leaving for the pub. It was not unlike Draco to leave early (unless it was a major victory) because he had always been shy in group gatherings. He knew Hermione wouldn't have made a plan if she knew she was disrupting his plans with the team.

Hermione, who had been waiting for him outside the pub, hugged him as soon as he reached.

"Hello to you as well, Granger," he laughed.

"Let's go."

"Didn't you secure a table?" It was a game night which meant tables were hard to find at pubs.

"We are going over to mine," she said, grabbing his hand and Apparating the two of them away. Hermione had moved to her parents' old house, enjoying a healthy balance between living in wizarding and Muggle society. Like the Manor, she had done her bit of redecorating to avoid reminding herself of hurtful memories.

"Warn a bloke next time, Granger," he squirmed. "I have been on a broom all day."

"Sorry."

"Are we eating dinner here?" he asked as he entered the massive living room and looking at the table set for two.

"Yes, I cooked." He did a double take and looked at her with surprise. "Try to look a little less stunned each time I say this, Draco."

"You've never cooked for me before!"

"True but I told you I can cook. Not much but I try my best."

"And we all know what your best looks like. Thanks for this, Granger," he hugged her.

Hermione had prepared a simple meal but for Draco, it was the most perfect meal he had ever tasted. This was a beautiful evening and all he wanted now was to know why Hermione had cooked him a meal, after all these years of being friends.

"Granger, I am curious," he spoke as they cleared the dishes.

"Let's go with the fact that this is the first time I agreed to go a Quidditch match without someone begging me to!"

"Oh, sod off. I know how much you love supporting Ginny."

She stopped in the doorway, looking at him with an emotion he couldn't place.

"What? Is there something on my face?" he asked, worried he had sauce on his mouth.

"No, I was lost in thought. Do you want to play video games and stay the night?"

"I'd love to, Granger." He hoped this night didn't lead to an awkward morning, he wanted to move past that incident and he was sure so did Hermione.

The two friends spent the next couple of hours bickering with each other while playing video games. It was just like old times, evenings with Hermione had always been relaxing. They rarely spent time outdoors because both knew how often their time and conversations could be disrupted if they were spotted outside, at least in the wizarding world.

"I am exhausted, Granger, you win," Draco slumped against the couch. He looked at Hermione who was grinning with immense satisfaction at her win.

"Do you want to go to bed? I am sorry, I didn't realize how late it was."

"Let's sit here for a bit, I like it here." Hermione shifted closer to him and rested her head next to his, looking into his eyes. From this close, Draco could see the light mole on her freckled cheeks, resisting his usual urge to kiss it.

"Draco?"

"Granger?" he smiled.

"I want to ask you something. Please don't say no?"

"Granger, if you are going to ask me to attend one more charity event hosted by the Ministry and ask me to schmooze with ministers-," Draco's rant was interrupted by Hermione's mouth on his.

She pulled away, studied his face, and laid another soft kiss on his lips.

"I was going to ask you if I could kiss you but you talk way too much, Malfoy," she smiled, shifting her body away from his.

"Granger, what are we doing here?" he asked, kissing her cheek to convey his thoughts to her without using words.

"We are kissing, Draco, I know you are familiar with the concept," she grinned.

"Granger, what are you doing here?" he asked her again.

She pushed back his hair and kissed his forehead. "This is nice, I like it here."

"Hermione," he sighed but spoke no further as she settled in his arms.

"Draco, do you want to go out with me? Eat a meal cooked by someone else and hopefully, kiss at the end of the meal."

"I would like to have this conversation while looking at your face," he said and pushed her chin upwards so he could look at her. Hermione wouldn't joke about this, obviously, much less resort to kissing him. "Thank you, now, can you please explain before my heart explodes?"

"Why would your heart explode? Do you have a crush on me, Malfoy?" she grinned.

"Yes, I do. A massive crush, Granger."

"I do too," she kissed him again.

"I want to be with you, Granger. I have wanted this since a while now."

"I think we've been feeling the same thing, Draco. I have tried to understand where we stand since a few months now and have finally taken the step I wanted to back when I visited you at the Manor. I am aware of the roadblocks that we'll face in this relationship but we are wonderful together. I love this companionship and I definitely want to add kissing to it."

"I have wanted this for a long, long time, Granger," he hid his face in her hair.

"I am slowly noticing the signs," she giggled.

"Granger."

"Draco."

"Let's get to bed."

"I thought you'd never ask," she smirked and led him to her bedroom. Draco paused, looking at Hermione making space for him, unsure of what the next step was.

"Are you sure you don't want me to sleep in the guest bedroom?"

"Draco!"

"I don't want to make either of us uncomfortable."

"We weren't so comfortable the other night at yours, were we?"

"Now that you mention it, do you mind explaining your haste and awkward departure the morning after?"

"If I hadn't left in a hurry, I was sure I would have shagged you that morning, Draco."

"Granger," he blushed and looked away as he lied down next to her. When she noticed he was comfortable, Hermione wrapped her leg around his waist. "You will kill me, Granger."

"I intend to." She left a trail of kisses on his neck, taking her sweet time to explore the area.

"Let's sleep, Granger," he murmured in her hair. "I promise I will allow you to continue this the second I wake up."

"It's a deal," she smiled at him, leaving one last kiss on his mouth before the two of them fell asleep.

The next morning, Draco felt a strong sense of déjà vu when he saw him and Hermione wrapped around each other.

"Time to wake up, Granger," he whispered with a kiss on her forehead. She stirred and drew him tighter to her body, something Draco knew wouldn't be safe for him this early. "Granger."

She murmured against his arm but opened her eyes.

"Do you want to sleep some more?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me to stay in bed with you or cook us breakfast?"

"Stay here, please." She raised her face to his and kissed him, deeper than she had last night. "Good morning, Draco."

Draco responded with his mouth, kissing her harder. He pulled her body closer, dragging her on top of him. She made a sound at the movement, allowing Draco to pry her mouth and his tongue to slip in her mouth. Sliding his hands to her waist, he sat up, with Hermione on his lap.

"Granger," he whispered against her mouth. "Thanks for not kissing me like this last night. I would have died." She laughed at his statement and assaulted him with more kisses.

"Draco, you need to get rid of this shirt," she said, wanting to kiss him below his shirt.

"No, no, no," he whimpered as her hands touched his torso. "Granger, I would love to but let's stop for today."

"Too fast?" He nodded in response. Draco wanted to take this slow, this was a relationship he didn't want to botch by having sex before going on a first (or second) date.

"I want to cook you breakfast," he said but making no sign of movement. "I want to cook for you every single day." He kissed her chin, trailing further down her neck as she let out a sigh. When he was assured that he had teased her enough, he stood up with a smirk.

"Malfoy, you tease!" she shrieked and hurled a pillow at him, even as he sprinted towards the kitchen.

III

July

'Granger, come over post work,' Draco texted Hermione one evening. It was a pleasant day, every day without rain was pleasant for him, and Draco wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the night with his girlfriend.

'What do you have in mind?' she replied an hour later, indicating that she was leaving from work.

'We have three months' worth of books we haven't gifted each other.' The two had been busy with work and there had not been as much time to gift each other books. The time they did get to spend outside of Quidditch matches and work was dedicated to being in each other's bed, and, in Draco's words, having the hottest sex of his life. Yes, he was biased but rightfully so.

'Cannot wait! But I am headed to a dinner meeting, I will see you at 9. Shall bring dessert ;)' Trust Hermione's work to crush his daydreaming and at the same time, add fuel to it.

Draco ate his standard dinner before he set about wrapping the one (yes, one) book he was gifting Hermione tonight. Usually, they gifted multiple books each month to one another but this book was special. During his days of wallowing at the Manor, Draco had found the perfect book for her – a book narrating the history of Muggle women in magical law across the world, written in the 19th century. He knew it was a rare copy, he wouldn't have found it anywhere else except here and probably in Egypt where it was written. Over the past few months, he had checked the book for spells, ridding it of anything that might be lurking in the Manor library, and now the book was ready to be handed over to Hermione. Except for his special note, which he had hidden for her at the very end of the book. He knew Hermione, even with her phenomenal reading speed, wouldn't be able to finish the 2000-something page book for at least six months, especially with a work schedule like hers.

Hermione joined him before 9, hands occupied with books and dessert from his favorite bakery. Even before she could put down her bags, Draco lifted her in his arms and kissed her. There was nothing he had wished to do all day more than kiss her and he wasn't going to waste a moment now.

"Take me to the bedroom?" Hermione whispered once they had broken apart.

"You did promise me dessert, Granger," Draco grinned as they made their way to his bed.

When the two (finally) emerged from the bedroom to eat the dessert Hermione had brought, they remembered they still had the book exchange left to do.

"You give me mine first, Granger," Draco said, trying not to get distracted by Hermione licking frosting off his fingers. "I cannot wait to open all these bags you have for me."

"You are so distracting," she frowned but jumped up with excitement to hand him his books. He unwrapped all the books, every single one marked with a note and the place she had acquired from. Hermione traveled a lot for work which meant that each month, she had the advantage of buying books from across the continent.

"These are gorgeous, Granger, thank you! I love you, more than these very books," he beamed and kissed her softly.

"You are welcome. Now, my turn!" Draco went to his library and returned with the one book he had for Hermione. It wasn't like he couldn't afford to buy her more books but he knew that this was a special text, not to be gifted with anything else. Well, except what you hid in there, he said to himself.

"Granger, come here," he pulled her into his lap as he settled on the couch. "I am sorry, I didn't have time to get you more books. I will make it up to you soon."

"This is unlike you, Draco," she said with narrowed eyes but took the package from his hand. Draco studied her face for all the emotions – utter concentration while being careful not to tear the paper (she never used magic for this), confusion and slight frustration on seeing another layer of paper underneath, and once she removed that, completely stunned and quiet. Draco smiled, knowing she already loved what she held in her hands.

"Draco," she whispered.

"Granger," he grinned.

"Malfoy, you have always been a cheater!" She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him all over. Draco laughed, earning himself a smack on the head but that didn't stop him. Hermione looked at him with teary eyes.

"Do you like it?"

"You idiot! Yes, I do, I love it."

"I am glad," he said, handing her the book to look at. "I have spent months working on it."

"I love you, Draco."

"I love you too, babe."

"Would you be offended if I said I want to go home and spend the night poring over this?" she asked, only half-joking.

"I wouldn't mind but you can have my library for the night."

"You are such a darling!" There she was, drowning him in kisses again. How was a man supposed to do anything but kiss back with equal passion?

x

Draco was paying his mother a visit. She had been traveling across France for a month and demanded to see him on her return. He didn't mind, of course, since he loved spending time with her. If only she left marriage and children out of their conversations, he would agree to meet her more than once every month.

Today was even worse because several of his cousins and friends had gotten married over the summer which gave Narcissa the perfect opportunity to rant about him not being married.

"Mother, do you have to bring this up every single time? Can we instead talk of something else, such as your indulgent vacation?"

"It was a business trip," she scowled.

"Sure, Mother. I have sources to keep a check on you as well, you aren't the only one."

"Which of your cousins did you bribe to hover around me?"

"A Malfoy doesn't spill his secrets, Mother," he grinned.

"When am I going to host your and Miss Granger's wedding?" she asked, making him spit out the drink he was consuming.

"Mother!"

"Don't lie to me, I can see it on your face. You'd do anything to stand at the end of the aisle with Hermione."

"We've just started dating."

"If that's the case, why are you on the hunt for a bigger house in London?" she smirked.

It was true, Draco had been house hunting since the past week, mostly in and around Diagon Alley. It made sense to move into a bigger house, not because he wanted to marry Hermione, but he needed more space if she was always going to be around. It was also something the couple had talked about, not immediately but definitely soon, which was hopeful.

"I want more rooms."

"If that's the lie you want to go with," she said with a soft smile, putting a pause to the subject.

Draco avoided her questions about his relationship with Hermione, not wanting to give details that could have his mother making a list of names for her hypothetical grandchildren. The idea of making a family with Ganger sounded blissful to him although he didn't dare voice it out in front of anyone, especially the Weasleys. He would never hear the end of it.

After saying goodbye to Narcissa, he wound up at Ginny's, in need of a strong drink after being at the Manor all day.

"We don't see you here often, Draco," Ginny said as she handed him a beer. She was only kidding, not much in the world could make him ignore Ginny Weasley.

"Says the girl who is always sucking face with my best friend," he smirked. "Are you blushing, Weasley?"

"Shut up."

"Where's lover boy this evening?"

"He's in Italy, attending a wedding."

"Forget I asked, I don't want to talk about weddings today."

"How was your evening with Narcissa?"

"It was the usual shit. Although, I did hear something interesting about Blaise and you."

"What?" she asked, hiding her face behind her hair because she knew what was coming next.

"Blaise Zabini is in Italy for more than a wedding, isn't he?" he grinned. "When are you meeting the Zabini family, Ginevra?"

"I hate that boy but I hate you more. He has been so persistent about meeting his family since the past month."

"Why don't you want to?"

"Because it's too soon."

"He eats brunch with your family every other weekend!"

"The Weasleys are a different family. What if they don't end up warming up to me? Quite difficult, if I can say so myself, but you know what I mean, Draco."

"Never pegged you to have low self-esteem in a relationship, especially because you are dating my idiot best friend, but I can understand. I promise you, Ginny, they will love you. They aren't anything like your traditional English pureblood family, nor are they pureblood to begin with. And even if they were, they would be stupid enough to not love someone as wonderful as you to raise future Zabini demons." The last sentence earned him a punch on the arm.

"Thank you."

"What are you thinking, Weasley?"

"I know we have different stories, Draco but I doubt anyone understands me like you do. This sucks, you know? I really like being with Blaise, I love that man. Having to deal with this nonsense of feeling like I'm not enough hurts."

"I know it does," he said and patted her head. "You, Ginny Weasley, are a literal goddess for so many people in the magical world. I am sure there are teenage boys with posters of you in their room, charming them to-"

"That's enough, Malfoy!"

"What I am getting at is that you are a wonderful woman. I admire the tenacity you have and how, despite having so much at such a young age, you have remained humble. The Zabinis shouldn't scare you. If anything, remember that they are as chaotic as the Weasleys, although their chaos springs from all those multiple marriages."

"Thanks," she mumbled as she slumped her head on his shoulder.

"Remember to keep up with their drinks. You don't want to be sober when Blaise's cousins get drunk."

"You never have to worry about that!"

When he settled in bed late at night, Draco was finally at ease. While his visit to the Manor had tensed him up, his conversation with Ginny had helped him achieve clarity on several things. He wasn't sure of what the coming year looked like for him and Hermione but he was glad they were with each other, making the best of the relationship they shared.

IV

September

Quidditch season was over and Draco was soaking in the victory of their team winning the cup. He would have liked to spend the first week of his break with Hermione but his girlfriend had flown out for work the morning after the final game (yes, victory sex was glorious with Granger). Which is how he landed up at the Manor, ready to relax in the quiet countryside except visiting London in the mornings for press conferences.

For today, his agenda was to take a long walk through the Manor grounds, exploring places he might have forgotten since childhood. While he was exiting a wooded area, he saw a red light hovering around the Manor. Thinking it would have been his mother signaling him to return to the mansion, he picked up his pace, hoping nothing was wrong at the house. But when he reached the living room, he found not Mother but someone else waiting for him.

"Granger?!" he yelled with excitement.

"About time," she frowned.

"What's wrong? Did you leave your work trip halfway?" He looked around but didn't see her traveling bag anywhere.

"No, Draco, I came back for an explanation." Hermione looked hot when she was angry but it also scared Draco.

"Hermione, babe, what do you mean?"

"I mean this," she said walking up to him and thrusting a book in his hands. It was the book he had gifted her a couple of months ago. "I took it for light reading."

"Was there something wrong with it? I tried my best to remove all spells from here." He flipped the pages as if an answer would appear by doing so.

"Draco."

"Yes?"

"I finished the book."

"Already?"

And then it struck him. Oh, fuck. She wasn't meant to reach the end of this book for at least six months.

"I have been reading it daily but that's not important."

"Granger."

"Malfoy."

Draco was in deep trouble. When he had gifted Hermione the book, he had added a note on the last page as well, adding a spell that the words would be revealed only when she finished reading the whole thing. He gulped, moved to the last page and read the note once again:

Dear Granger,

I love you, nothing you don't know already. I haven't done too many great deeds in my life yet but perhaps the greatest has been falling in love with you. Thank you for existing.

I don't know when and where you will arrive at the end of this book but I hope you enjoyed it. Some Malfoy acquired it for darker motives but it's safe now and you deserve to have this rare book.

You deserve the world and more and yet here you are, with a man who has kept questioning whether he deserves all these second chances. That's behind me now, hopefully. With you by my side, I believe a lot more in myself than I ever have before, and I am grateful for it. Again, thanking you for your presence, Granger.

I love you and there's a lot I want to ask you but today, I will ask you one thing: will you do me the honor of spending the rest of our lives together? Consider this a marriage proposal but also don't because I have a completely idiotic proposal idea. I know you'll love it! Of course, I also need to be on my knees for it but let's not digress.

You make me whole, Granger, and there is nothing more I'd love more than keeping you company, gifting books to you, spoiling you silly, and cooking meals for you for the rest of my life.

Take all the time to give me an answer (although I'd like to get married before I start developing wrinkles), I will be waiting.

Yours, and yours only,

Draco.

When he finished reading it, he looked at Hermione, who looked at him with impatience.

"I don't know what to say."

"Draco."

"Alright, alright. I thought this was a good idea back then. I am not going to lie and say that I did it on an impulse. I know what I was doing, even if we had just started going out. Hermione, this isn't something we haven't discussed already. Plus, I didn't think you'd finish it in two months!"

"I have been quite committed to reading it."

"Granger." She walked up to him and slumped against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, knowing she'd need the physical support while she was going over her emotions. "I am sorry if it disturbed you."

"You know, Malfoy, you are an idiot," she said and looked up at him.

"I am."

"Can you read your note again?"

He was confused by her demand but looked at the text again. And there he noticed something he had missed earlier, written in Hermione's tiny writing.

I love you. The answer is yes (like it would ever be a no, I know your net worth, Malfoy). Not now but soon (after all, I need a wedding dress as stunning as the tux I know you might have picked already and that in itself may take months).

Yours,

Granger.

"Granger!" He picked her up and kissed her, not caring whether his Mother or the house elves entered the room. "I love you."

"I love you too," she smiled against his mouth.

"Want to go over to yours?"

"Yes, please."

The next morning, when Draco woke up, he knew he had to write a note to his mother, explaining the reason for his sudden disappearance from the Manor. He didn't have to wait for long for her reply. Her note read itself out loud although it was nothing more than an excited shriek, making Draco wince but laugh out loud. Granger and him will have to deal with a lot but there wasn't a problem the two couldn't solve with morning sex, which was what they ended up doing. And anyway, a happily ever after must always begin with a bang.