Disclaimer: I own none of the characters here. I just use them for my own amusement. JK Rowling and co. own them No copyright infringement intended.
Summary: When two old enemies meet up again, will they be able to look past their differences and get along? What happens if they fall for each other but he's slated to marry someone else? Will he follow his heart or his parents' wishes? Dramione.
Author's note: Lyrics by Katy Perry
Wildest Dreams
In another life, I would be your girl
We keep all our promises, be us against the world
In another life, I would make you stay
So I don't have to say you were the one that got away
The one that got away
When Monday morning came, Draco was really embarrassed to see Hermione. He hadn't forgotten the kiss, but he was hoping maybe she had? When he walked in, she was already there and busy with a file. She looked up when he walked in and managed a small smile towards him.
"Good morning," she said pleasantly.
"Good morning," he said back, just as pleasantly. "Are you hungry? I brought donuts this time."
"I could eat a donut. Sure. Thanks Draco," she said as she took the bag from him and pulled out a glazed donut. She handed the bag back.
"I figured you're probably sick of bagels. I know I am. Plus I had a sweet tooth today," he said, trying to be utterly normal when he felt like a wreck inside.
But if she was upset about the kiss, she didn't show it. She was simply acting like nothing had happened at all. Maybe she really didn't remember, he thought to himself.
"I like donuts. I just can't eat them every day. I'd be a blimp if I did," she chuckled slightly.
"Nah, you never would be. A little sugar is good for the soul," he smiled at her.
"So I just got this memo in my box this morning. I figured I'd share it with you," she said, changing the subject. "There's a charity ball coming up and we're expected to attend."
She handed over the parchment and showed him what it said. He just frowned a little and sighed. He hated things like that. But he supposed since he was a Ministry employee, he'd have to buck it up and go.
"So who are you going with?" he wondered with insane curiosity.
"I don't know yet. I've got time to find someone suitable. I already know who you're taking," she said with a sigh. That was the only giveaway that she was still upset about Astoria. Her subtle sigh. But Draco didn't pick up on it.
"Yeah, I guess I have to take Astoria huh?"
"Obviously," she said with a slightly bitter laugh.
"I wish we could just go together," he lamented. He'd feel a lot more comfortable with her. But he supposed that was out of the question.
"Well that's a silly idea. I think it's best you take your fiancée," she said giving him a look.
"She's not my fiancée yet. Not really. It's not like I've asked her to marry me or anything," he pointed out.
"Yeah, but it's all arranged. I think asking her is just a formality at this point, isn't it?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I guess. I don't know," he shrugged and let out a deep breath. "So everything's cool between us right?" he asked dying to know if she remembered the stupid kiss or not, but he was too afraid to ask her directly.
"Why wouldn't we be cool?" she wondered, knowing exactly what he was talking about, but not wanting to let on that she knew.
"Because of what happened at the dance club."
"Oh. That. Well, I told you it was no big deal. So yes, of course we're cool," she said brushing it off. If only he knew what the kiss really had meant to her, but she'd never tell him now.
"Alright good. I was just worried it would be awkward between us or something."
"Nope. It's all good," she said coolly.
"Good."
"Yep."
"So really who do you want to go to the ball with?" he tossed out, not being able to get the thought of her dating someone else out of his mind. It was bad enough he had to go with someone else, he never featured her moving on and dating someone else. That upset him a lot more than it should. Which wasn't really fair. He was marrying someone else, so how could he be upset with her going on a date with someone else? But he was. And he wanted to know who his competition might be.
"I really don't know. There is this one bloke in the Department of Mysteries who fancies me. We went out a few times a while back. There wasn't really a spark for me, but maybe I'll ask him? He was nice enough," she pondered her options.
"Some bloke from the Department of Mysteries, eh? What's his name?"
"Jonathon."
"Jonathon? I don't like that name. It's boring. He sounds boring. Is he boring?" Draco wondered in rapid fire succession.
She laughed at him and shook her head.
"He's not boring, per say. He just didn't light my fire. But he's nice. And he's not bad to look at."
"Why don't you go with Harry? Just as friends, of course. I think I like that idea better," he offered.
"I can't go with Harry. He's going to go with Ginny. Besides what does it matter to you who I go with? You're going to be there with Astoria. I think I can pick my own date," she said giving him a look.
"Right. I get it. It's just I'm protective of you. I don't know this Jonathon bloke at all. I don't trust him," he said honestly.
"You don't have to be psycho protective. He's a nice guy. He never did anything wrong to me. I just didn't fancy him. Stop worrying."
"What if you start fancying him at this ball?"
"Then I say lucky me, right? I am a singleton after all. Maybe it'd be nice to be in a relationship so I'm not the only one who's single?" she posed the question to him.
"Do you really hate being single so much that you'd just pick any bloke out of the crowd? I thought you didn't care that much to be coupled up?" he asked.
"Draco, you're being weird. Just drop it. I don't even know if Jonathon will say yes. You're getting all bent out of shape for nothing," she groaned.
"Fine. You're right. It's not really my business anyway who you date," he relented.
But it felt like his business. He wanted it to be his business. But it wasn't. He was just her friend and nothing more. And friends didn't act like freaks when other friends went on dates. He had to keep reminding himself of that.
Silence settled over the room and as always, for Draco, it was highly uncomfortable. He was only happy when they were talking or laughing and the silence killed him. Mostly because he wanted to know what she was thinking, but despite his earlier claims to being able to read her like a book, he couldn't read her now. She was confusing. Much more complicated than he gave her credit for. He didn't know what to do with the silence, so he just worked on his papers and tried not to think of the stupid charity ball.
Hermione was only quiet because she couldn't think of anything suitable to say. She honestly didn't want to go to a charity ball with Jonathon or anyone else. She wanted to go with Draco. But that was never happening. So there was no use even fantasizing about it. But part of her did fantasize and part of her still remembered that fevered kiss on the dancefloor. She just wished that Draco hadn't been drunk and so regretful of it. How could she even begin to explain to him how much the kiss meant when he was tripping over himself in apology? She kept having wicked thoughts like what it would be like to get him drunk again and see what else might happen. But that was very wrong of her. He was practically engaged to someone else. She couldn't be having these lusty thoughts like this. But she couldn't help it. She also couldn't talk about it either, so she just remained silent.
The rest of their week was spent in relative silence. Broken only to go over case files or to talk about work. Draco had been out with Astoria a couple more times and had told her about the charity ball, which she was very excited for. But he still felt nothing for her. He wished he could tell that to Hermione and have it matter. Maybe they'd kiss again if she knew he still hadn't bothered to kiss Astoria? She was the only one he wanted to kiss. But since all his thoughts we complicated, he just focused on work. He wanted to ask Hermione out again, for another friend date, but he was afraid she'd say no after what happened last time. But when Friday came, he just had to ask her.
"So, you wanna grab dinner with me tonight?" he asked when it was nearly time to leave.
"Tonight? I don't know. I don't really have anything to wear," she said, unsure of whether or not they should keep going out.
"Nothing fancy this time. Just maybe a pub? We'll grab a few pints and eat some fish and chips. It'll be great," he urged her.
She sighed and nodded her head. She couldn't say no to him, even if every fiber of her being was telling her to stay away from him on a personal level. But she just couldn't do it.
"Alright. It sounds fun. Do you want to come get me again?"
"Of course. I'll be at your place around seven-ish?"
"Great."
"Perfect."
And with that, more silence. It was maddening. But Draco bucked it up because at least she said yes to his date idea. He hadn't made any plans with Astoria, and didn't want to. He'd likely see her another night, but tonight was all for him and Hermione.
When the time rolled around, he went to her place yet again. He realized he was probably rude to never have invited her to his place. Maybe he'd take her back there tonight? That is if she wanted to go. He'd have to think a bit before bringing it up. But when she answered her door, he was speechless yet again. She looked perfect in a lavender lacy top and a pair of light blue jeans with matching lavender sandals. She always swore she just threw items on, but she never ceased to amaze him with her beauty. He walked into her place and she was the first one to comment on his look.
"I like that shirt on you. It's nice," she noted with a smile.
"Thanks. I like yours too. It's pretty. I like the lacy bits," he smiled back.
"So are you hungry? Because I'm famished. I'm ready to eat some fish and chips," she said hurriedly, not wanting to linger too long at her place like they usually did.
"I'm ready to go. I know a great little place too. I think you're gonna love it."
"Lead the way," she held out her arm for him to hold.
He gripped her tightly and apparated them out of her apartment and into the back alley of the pub. They walked arm in arm into the establishment and found a booth in the corner to sit in. They picked up the menus and looked at them even if they already knew they wanted fish and chips. It was something to do while they waited for a waitress to come by. But once she did, they ordered two beers and their fish and sat and waited patiently to be served. The drinks came and they both dove right in.
"This is good," Hermione said taking a large sip.
"It's the best alehouse in the city. They brew everything themselves in those big vat things over yonder," he pointed to the brewing room where there was a contraption that Hermione thought looked like a spaceship.
"I was wondering what the hell that was. I thought it was some sort of modern art," she laughed.
"Nope, it's where they make the beer. I told you that you'd like this place," he smiled at her.
"I do. And they're playing good music too."
"It is pretty good. I like this song."
"Too bad there's no dancing here," she said with a little grin.
"It's probably best there's no dancing. No telling what stupid thing I might do then," he said hiding his face.
She wished he didn't think their kiss was so stupid, but what could she really say? That it changed her life? He didn't want to hear that obviously.
"Yeah, I guess it's probably best that there is no dancing huh?" she agreed, only she didn't really agree. She was just being polite.
"So have you found a date yet for this ball thing?" he asked cautiously, unsure if he really wanted to know the answer or not.
She nodded her head.
"Yeah, I decided to approach Jonathon. He was pretty excited to go with me. Maybe it won't be such a bad evening after all?" she noted.
"Jonathon huh? I need to meet this guy. I wanna see if I really approve of him," he said giving her a look.
"Oh stop. You're not my daddy. I can date whomever I choose," she scoffed at him.
"I know. But I'm your friend. And as your friend I reserve the right to chuck aside blokes I don't think are worthy of your affections," he said holding his head up high.
"You're laughable. You don't get to chuck away blokes. Not even Harry does that, and he's been my friend for way longer than you," she told him.
"Like hell he doesn't get a say in who you go out with. He was ready to throttle you or have you committed when he thought you were dating me," he reminded her.
"Alright, so he's a little protective too. But I didn't listen to him! That's the important part. He may have an opinion about the company I keep, but in the end, I do what I want."
"So then my opinion doesn't matter either then?"
"It matters. But I'm my own person. I can choose whom to date," she assured him.
"Alright. I'll keep my mouth shut then. But I'd still like to meet him," he told her with a sigh.
"You'll meet him at the ball. Just like I suppose I'm going to meet Astoria for the first time. Should be pleasant," she said in a clipped tone.
"Yeah you sound real excited to meet her," he noted dryly.
"Just like you're protective of me, I'm protective of you. I don't want you to spend your life with some vacuous wench. But you still did what you wanted to do," she pointed out.
"Hey, I thought you agreed I had to do this. It's for the greater good of my life. It's for my family," he said defensively.
"And your wallet. Which I think is a stupid reason to lower yourself to being engaged to someone you don't even like," she said snippily.
"So what if it helps my wallet? I like to live well. And the Ministry pays me shitty. If I was making whatever you make, maybe I'd feel differently?" he said snippily too.
"You think I make that much money? Please. I don't come anywhere near your money bags. But I don't care because at least I'm my own person with my own life," she said surely.
"I'm my own person too. That's why I'm here with you tonight. Because I refuse to give you up. And no one can stop me," he told her adamantly.
"What if your father finds out you're seeing me behind what's her name's back? Do you think he'd just let that happen? He probably hates me and wants you to have nothing to do with me, outside of work. What happens when he finds out, Draco?" she asked pointedly with tears forming in her eyes.
"He won't find out," he assured her as he took her hand over the table and squeezed it.
"But what if he does? Who will you choose? I know it won't be me," she admitted sadly.
He wanted to tell her she was wrong, but he didn't know the answer to that question. He'd never considered what he'd do if his father found out he was seeing her behind Astoria's back. They were just friends. Even if he wanted more, the fact remained that they were just friends. How could his father really stop him from having a friend? He looked at her squarely in the eyes.
"I won't ever have to choose. I promise you that."
She knew it was a promise he likely couldn't keep but she just removed her hand from his and rubbed her eyes. This conversation was tanking a bit. And Draco knew it too. So he tried to change the subject.
"Listen, after dinner, do you want to come back to my place and watch the telly? I'm sure there's bound to be some show on we can be entertained by," he said with a hopeful smile.
"Come back to your place and watch the telly? Are you sure that's such a good idea?" she wondered curiously.
"Why wouldn't it be? It's just two friends sitting on a couch together. I might even have popcorn. You know you want to," he nudged her foot under the table.
"Why are you so hard to say no to?" she sighed and shook her head.
"Because I'm very charming. I told you once before that I could charm anyone. And it's working on you," he grinned.
"Yeah, a little too well," she muttered under her breath.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Just then, their food arrived and saved Hermione from having to explain her comment. They dug into the fish and chips and didn't talk at all for a while. They had this thing that always settled over them when conversations got too heated or personal. It was like they rendered them mute afterwards. It drove both of them batty to have this weird uncomfortable silences. They both were dying to know what the other person was thinking but no one would speak.
When they finished their meal, Draco paid the check and wouldn't let Hermione put in any money, even though she tried to insist. It didn't seem like a friend date if he always paid for everything.
"I can pay my own meal, Draco."
"But why should you? I'm doing an awful lot to keep my money, so at least let me spend it on my friend," he said handing her money back and refusing to take it.
"Alright. But I swear the next meal is on me," she told him seriously.
"Deal. Now should we go back to my place?" he asked.
"Fine."
"You could seem a little more excited," he noted.
"I am excited. I'm always excited to hang out with you. It's just I'm afraid it'll be weird going to your place. I've never been there," she told him.
"So? It's high time you saw how the other half lived. Not that I'm in some huge mansion. It's just a nice four bedroom house in the countryside," he explained.
"Four bedrooms? All for you? What do you need that many bedrooms for?" she wondered with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't. But I could afford the place so I bought it. I didn't want to live in some cramped apartment," he said.
"Like mine, you mean?" she chuckled softly.
"I didn't mean it like that. Your flat is great. For you. I personally like a bit more space."
"Alright, now you've got me curious. Let's go to your place," she relented.
They got up from the table and went back out to the alley and apparated to his place. He landed them outside on the front lawn so she could see the outside. It was a fairly large two story home with a red brick walkway leading to the front door. He had roses and other flowers out front and a fountain with a little cherub spitting water in the yard. She was suitably impressed. It would be a great place to have a family. But she wasn't going to ever live there, she realized. It wasn't her family that would be raised there, it was his family. With Astoria. The other woman. Hermione took a deep breath and tried not to lose her shit at the thought of it, and just marched up the front walkway to the door. He opened it up and turned on all the lights so she could see the living space. The place was filled with black and silver furniture and looked like a showroom. She wondered if he had a decorator or if he did it all himself. But she didn't ask. She just told him the place looked lovely.
"Thanks. I like to call it home. But see the couch is big. Plenty of room. And I've got a big screen telly," he pointed towards his TV room.
"It's perfect. Now what are we going to watch?" she wondered as she moved into the room and kicked off her shoes. She wanted to be comfortable and had just enough beer that she wasn't thinking to ask if it was okay for her to take off her shoes. But he just found it amusing and he kicked off his shoes too.
"I think we should just see what's on," he said, plunking down onto the couch and grabbing the remote.
She sat down next to him a comfortable distance away and played with her hair as she waited for him to find a show to watch. He settled on an episode of the X-Files. Hermione had heard of the show, but never actually watched it. Draco claimed it was one his favorites. And he hadn't seen the episode that was playing. It was about vampires.
"I thought this show was about aliens?" she asked curiously.
"It sometimes is. But they have different stories too. Different monsters. I guess this week it's vampires," he shrugged. "You want some popcorn?"
"Sure. If you have it," she said with a smile.
He got up and went to the kitchen and came back with two bottles of beer and a bowl of popcorn for them to share. He handed her the beer and plunked the bowl in between them. They watched in silence for a while and Hermione kept giggling over some of the funny parts this episode had. It was comical because Mulder and Scully were re-telling their version of events as they happened, and the accounts were widely different.
"Do you really think the sheriff was good looking or he had buck teeth like Mulder said?" she asked shoveling popcorn in her mouth.
"I think he was really good looking and Mulder was just jealous that Scully liked him," Draco explained as he grabbed a fistful of popcorn himself.
"I would totally go for Mulder over the sheriff though. He's pretty hot," she noted with a grin.
"Really now? So is that what you like. Tall, dark and handsome?" he asked with a questioning look.
She shrugged.
"I wouldn't say no to it."
"I suppose Scully is attractive enough. For a ginger. I'm not sure I could get past the hair," he told her honestly.
"Oh, wait! I think the bad guy is the pizza man!" she said, ignoring his comment. She got overly excited by the show.
He just trained his eyes back on the screen and presumed she was probably right. She scooted over closer to him and propped her feet up on the coffee table. He couldn't help but just watch her and be in awe of how cute she was when she was watching a show. She seemed so engrossed. He could probably take off all his clothes next to her and she wouldn't even notice.
"I think Mulder is secretly in love with Scully. It's so obvious to me. And I'm fairly certain she loves him back. Why don't they just tell each other?" she blurted out throwing popcorn at the screen.
Draco laughed slightly and then he sighed.
"Sometimes love between friends is complicated. You don't want to ruin the friendship. Plus they work together too. It might just complicate everything. What if they were together and the FBI wouldn't let them be partners anymore?" he offered realizing how much this story paralleled his own life.
"Yeah, but I'd rather get a new partner than deny I loved someone. It's so obvious they're meant to be. Mulder should say something to her, damn it!" she said vehemently.
"Maybe Scully should say something?" he shot back at her.
Then they just looked at each other for a minute and something passed between them. It was like they were no longer talking about the show and the fictional characters, but themselves. Hermione didn't know what to do and neither did Draco. Were they hinting something to each other? Or was it really just talk about the show? Neither one of them could be certain so they finally looked away from one another and sat in silence again. Once the show was over, Hermione didn't want to leave. But she knew it was late and she should go. Draco didn't want her to go though. So he tried to convince her to stay and watch something else with him.
"I really shouldn't. We're all out of popcorn and beer," she said noting the empty bowl and the empty bottle she held.
"I can get you more," he offered.
"Nah, that's okay. But I enjoyed myself. Thoroughly. You have a great flat," she smiled at him.
"Thanks for coming over. I'm glad you enjoyed the show."
"Me too. It was great. And just for the record, Scully shouldn't have to say anything. Because she's dropped enough hints that Mulder is a moron if he doesn't get that she's in love with him," she added hoping Draco would catch a clue.
But he didn't. Or at least he didn't appear to get it.
"I still think if Scully wants Mulder, she should be the one to say it first. Mulder has no idea. He's a man. We're stupid. She's the smart one. She should tell him."
"What if she's scared to?"
"She shouldn't be scared because God only knows Mulder has dropped a million hints too."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Are we still talking about the show or something else?" Hermione asked finally.
"I don't know what we're talking about honestly," he said unsure of how to proceed.
"I-I should probably leave," she said finally.
"Okay. If you're sure you want to," he said giving her a look. A look that said, 'please stay'.
But she was nervous and awkward because of this conversation. She just wanted to get away from it. It was hitting way too close to home. So she stood up and put her shoes back on.
"I'll see you Monday," she told him as she grabbed her purse.
"Right. Monday," he said softly.
And with that she just disappeared from his living room and left him on the couch. Wanting. Needing. And never having. But it was his own fault. Sure they were talking about the show, but it was not lost on him that she was basically telling him to say something to her. He wasn't as dim as he pretended to be during that conversation. And even she realized what they were actually talking about. But just like the stupid show, neither one of them said a thing. What good would it do now? Draco was promised to someone else. But if he could hear from Hermione's lips that she loved him, it would change everything. If she really loved him and wanted to be with him, he'd chuck it all out the window to be with her. But she wasn't willing to say it. And he wasn't about to say it and be shot down. After all, he'd kissed her and she was disgusted by his presence afterward. He made a bold move, and now it was her turn to make an even bolder one. That is if she wanted to. He didn't know for certain. But all he knew was that he was still tragically in love with her. And probably always would be. He didn't want her to be the one that got away. But his own cowardice was making that a reality, and he didn't know how to live with himself for it, but he was going to have to.
To be continued…. Please leave feedback! I love reviews! They keep me writing faster….