How did it come to be this way between them?
She liked to think that it was when things first started to fall apart as a way of seeking comfort in a moment of passion and weakness. But the truth was, it was much, much earlier.
The Wizarding War of 1998 had changed all of them, some for the better and some for the worse, but nobody had escaped unscathed. They simply bore their scars differently. People were celebrating with abandon everywhere but not all were at ease yet. There were still dark wizards on the loose, many of whom had fled after Voldemort's death and defeat. They caused the occasional trouble, lashing out like a cornered beast that knew its days were numbered. Their imminent capture, or death as it happened sometimes, made them even more dangerous than usual. Many who were captured gave their friends away in the hopes of a lighter sentence.
In the midst of all the celebration and confusion, Hogwarts rose, like a beacon of hope and a symbol of victory. A war memorial was erected to commemorate all who fought Voldemort and his army. The school itself was rebuilt over many months. There were restorations here, some new additions here and under the watchful eyes of the ever-capable Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, the school opened its doors to students once more.
It was quite a pleasant surprise when she received a letter calling her back to repeat her seventh year at Hogwarts. Except, it would be called the Eighth Year to differentiate between the repeat Seventh Year and the actual one. Harry and Ron received letters, too. But she already knew what their decision was going to be. They promised to see her off at the station, at least.
There were only a few students who returned for their repeat year. A handful of Slytherins were among them, including Draco. There was an uneasy truce between the Slytherins and the non-Slytherins as they lived together in a separate part of the castle.
She soon learnt that the syllabus for Eighth Years was structured differently by Professor McGonagall. There were constant field assignments and reports, often in groups of 2 or 3. And then the Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt had chosen her specially for a confidential task involving the Ministry and given her assignments of his own, with the permission of the Headmistress.
The nature of her special assignment with the Ministry soon involved consulting with Draco Malfoy. Reluctantly, resentfully, they began working together- They didn't have to like each other to get an assignment finished.
But as they braved many storms together, they grew to trust and respect each other. In fact, all Eighth Years began getting along phenomenally well, save for Pansy who loved to cause trouble. Hermione smiled at the thought.
The Malfoys' trial happened on and off during the Eighth Year. And she, along with Harry, and even a reluctant Ron testified on their behalf. She even appealed to the Minister in the capacity of the trust he had in her abilities. It worked. Although the trial was far from over, they would get off lightly.
The Eighth Year had brought a different side to them both. And by the time they departed from Hogwarts, they had developed a strong bond.
She rubbed her cheek where he had planted a kiss as a sign of gratitude in the train on their way back home.
She had already gotten over Ron by then. They had broken up just before she returned to Hogwarts and had simply never gotten back together.
And after she joined the Ministry, their paths crossed many times. Her work at the Ministry and her various positions, including those of Magical Law Enforcement Trainee, Auror Audit Supervisor and Chief Consultant For Magical Reformation gave her reasons and opportunities to call upon him and to be entertained at the Manor. Although she knew the senior Malfoys wouldn't completely let go of their earlier prejudices, just as Draco wouldn't, she also knew they were wise enough to see the potential of having a War Hero as an ally.
It seemed only natural that they would meet over drinks in the after hours. Or pore over reports and charts in the study of the Malfoy Manor. Or, on one such occasion, lean in a little too close, their hands touching and moments later, even their lips.
And then came the factions and The Resistance and while everyone scrambled around, Draco remained by her side. And she chose to rally around the Resistance herself. When it started to become a little too much, she sought him for solace.
They became each other's comfort. And, perhaps, along the way, something much more.