Hermione carried the plates into the kitchen and placed them on the counter. She swatted Draco's hand as he tried to dump the piece of salmon remaining on her plate into the rubbish bin. "Don't you dare throw that out!" She admonished, picking at the sticky fish with her fingers and popping a bite into her mouth. "I meant it when I said it was the best thing I've ever eaten, and I'm going to finish it. It just might take me a little while." She proceeded to lick the sauce, first from her index finger, then her thumb, sending shivers down Draco's spine. The shivers rolled on in waves as she pointed a finger in his face and continued, "And don't even think about magicking these dishes clean like you did the other day. We are going to wash them the same way we dirtied them... the muggle way."
Draco smirked. Her eyes widened and jaw clenched as he slowly withdrew the wand from his back pocket and held it tauntingly above her, just out of reach. "We'll see..." He teased, flicking it slightly, causing the dirty pots to clatter against each other.
"You wouldn't." She breathed.
"Oh, I think we both know that I would." The pots flinched once more, and his eyes shone with mischief.
She pursed her lips in mock annoyance. "But you won't."
"And what makes you so sure of that?" He challenged.
His signature swagger faltered as she closed the few paces between them, positioning herself comfortably inside is personal bubble. "Because, Malfoy" she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down, to her eye level. "This time, we're going to do things my way." His eyes burned with desire and she knew she had gotten the best of him. "Plus," she slid her hand down his arm and snatched his wand before he had the chance to realize what she was up to. "I'm pretty sure you won't be doing an magic without this." She flounced back across the kitchen, sliding his wand into her back pocket.
Draco returned to his full height, glowering at her incredulously. "That was a dirty trick, Granger."
"Ah, but one you fell for all too easily." She quipped, her eyes twinkling playfully. "Now, are you ready to do this or not?" She held up a dish towel and motioned for him to join her at the sink. "I'll wash and you dry."
Harry and Ginny returned to the cottage as Draco placed the last plate on the shelf above the sink. "Good evening you two." Hermione greeted, exiting the kitchen to embrace Ginny who had left Harry's side and was making a beeline for her.
"Hermione. Draco." Harry acknowledged his house mates before taking a seat on the couch, stretching his arm across the back inviting Ginny to curl up next to him.
Draco and Hermione joined them in the living room, settling into each of the arm chairs.
"We missed you at dinner. I thought we'd agreed to at least have meals together since we're not roomies anymore." Ginny stated casually.
"Oh," Hermione stammered, glancing sideways at Draco. "Right. Well, you see, I got back from the owlery late, so Draco and I ended up just making dinner here tonight."
"Really?..." Ginny turned an inquisitive eye toward Draco. "So what was on the menu?"
Heat rose to Draco's cheeks as Ginny's eyes bored into him, obviously curious about more than just what they'd had for dinner. "We had honey bourbon glazed salmon with cinnamon brown rice and green beans sauteed in bacon." He answered dryly, hoping she didn't notice the color spreading across his face.
"That sounds bloody amazing!" Harry unknowingly, but much to Draco's relief, broke the tension. "Not that I don't appreciate the hard work the house elves put into serving three meals a day in the Great Hall, but the same food year after year has gotten a bit boring. If you're going to make meals like that here in the cottage, I'm gonna eat here from now on."
Ginny pushed back from his chest and gave him a 'do-you-want-to-rethink-that' look.
"I mean we " he cleared his throat and gave his fiance an apologetic look, "would be interested in joining you."
Ginny nodded her head at him facetiously. "Uh huh." She teased, drawing snickers from Draco and Hermione, before snuggling back into Harry's chest.
Harry gave his housemates a 'change-the-subject-please' look.
"So Ginny," Hermione answered Harry's silent plea, "How is it being a prefect?"
"Actually," her voice rather melancholy, "Its not really my thing. I don't know how many more times I can rescue a lost first year with a smile on my face."
Hermione frowned at her and began to respond, but was surprised as Draco beat her to it. "That should come to an end soon enough, and when it does only the perks of prefecthood will be left."
"True." Ginny agreed, covertly sneaking a peek at Harry. "I do look forward to enjoying the prefects' bath."
Heat rose in Hermione's cheeks as she recalled her encounter in that room the previous night, and her eyes inadvertently shifted toward Draco. Her flush deepened when she found him unexpectedly gazing at her as well.
"Hermione," Ginny suddenly stood. "Would you mind joining me upstairs for a moment?" Her unexpected request drew three sets of curious eyes to her, prompting her to reluctantly add, "If you must know, its a 'that-time-of-the-month' issue."
Harry and Draco immediately found their laps to be the most interesting things in the room while Hermione joined her best friend. The two of them exited without another glance from either of the males. Once in Hermione's room, Ginny shut the door and turned on her best friend. "Spill it. NOW!"
Hermione was taken aback by Ginny's demand. "What?"
"Don't 'what' me, Hermione. Harry might be oblivious, but this is me you're talking to. I see the way you've been looking at Draco tonight, and I know for a fact that that is not your wand sticking out of your back pocket. What is going on with you two?" Ginny voice chimed excitedly.
She'd never been able to keep a secret from her best friend who had an uncanny knack for reading people, so Hermione knew it would be of no use to tell Ginny anything but the truth. As a matter of fact, not having to keep such a large secret from her would be a huge relief. A giddy grin spread across her face as she explained, "Draco is... different this year." She wanted to share the secret of his alliance with Snape, but chose to let him do that in his own time. Rather she continued, "Spending so much time with him the last few days has made me see just how much he's changed. After I broke up with Ron and he left without so much as a second thought, it opened a door for Draco and I to... get close."
Ginny squealed with delight, before turning a semi-serious eye to her friend and asking, "Just how close are we talking?" Hermione was unable to stop the heat from rising in her cheeks, instantly giving away the answer. Ginny's eyes widened. "Tell me everything!"
Hermione took a seat on her bed, knowing Ginny wouldn't give up without hearing the details. The expectant red-head immediately joined her. "Well, like I said, Draco is different... he's sweet and endearing. And let's not forget, he saved my life. That kind of thing has a way of changing one's opinion of someone. It allowed me to be open to the idea of seeing him in a different light."
"Yeah, yeah. That's all well and good, but I want to know how you went from seeing him in a different light to getting involved with him." Ginny was growing impatient.
"Fine." Hermione smirked at her best friend. "I guess it started the night I was in the hospital wing. He surprised me by bringing me his Astronomy notes at 1 in the morning. We had a very nice conversation in which he told me he's been living as a muggle in London since the war." Ginny gave her an 'I-can't-believe-it' look, but remained silent, allowing Hermione to continue. "He's been completely alone, Ginny. But he came back here for a second chance. After he saved my life, I don't think there was any choice but for all of us to give him one."
Ginny eyes sparkled with a sudden realization. "Did this new Draco have anything to do with your choice to break up with my brother?"
Hermione looked her dead in the eye, and assured her, "No. I swear to you I made that decision weeks ago. It may have given me the final nudge to actually do it, but it was NOT the reason I did it. Please tell me you believe that."
"Yes, of course, I believe you." Ginny squeezed her hand in reassurance. "Now tell me how this happened."
"So, Ron left this morning. Like I said, once he heard the Romanians wanted him, he didn't so much as give me a farewell glance. That made it a lot easier for me to see Draco in a romantic way. Add that to the fact that Harry made the choice to make peace with Draco all on his own, and there really was nothing left standing in the way. I mean, there's no denying he's attractive, and apparently he's had a crush on me since first year."
Again Ginny's eyes widened, and she shouted, "What?!" She slapped a hand over her mouth before continuing more quietly, "How is that even possible?"
"I know it doesn't seem possible given the way he acted towards me all those years, but that's just it... He was acting. He told me he was so terrible to me in order to protect me from his friends and family. The way he explained it is this... If he hadn't been so cruel to me, someone else would have, and they wouldn't have stopped at verbal insults. In order for him to keep me physically safe, he had to verbally attack me every chance he got."
"Woah." Ginny was speechless.
"That was my initial reaction as well, but it makes sense, especially given the way he is this year. He's not a death eater, Ginny. He never was. It was all an act. After I understood that, basically, I found him irresistible. So when we found ourselves alone for the first time since Ron left, things just happened."
"What things happened?" Ginny asked mischievously.
"We made dinner together. He's an amazing cook, by the way. And while we were eating, I just gave in to the attraction." Hermione looked sheepishly at her best friend.
"You gave in?! You?" Ginny was astounded.
Hermione nodded her head. "Yes. I kissed him."
"This. Is. HUGE." Ginny exaggerated each word.
Hermione smiled uncontrollably. "I know. But, Ginny, it feels so right. Against all odds, it feels like the most natural thing in the world."
Ginny smiled warmly at her best friend. "As much as you say Draco has changed, I can see a change in you as well. Its nice to see you fighting for what is right for you. I hope you know that no matter what happens, I will support and be here for you."
Hermione leaned over to rest her head on Ginny's shoulder, allowing herself to be wrapped in a comforting embrace. "Thank you, Ginny. You have no idea how much that means to me. But, please don't tell Harry anything. Draco and I aren't ready for him to know just yet."
"Listen to you... Draco and I..." Ginny teased.
Hermione pulled away and stared at her friend. "I know, right. But seriously, you can't tell Harry... not yet."
"Your secret is safe with me, I promise, but be warned... even though Harry isn't the most perceptive man on the planet, he's bound to pick up on something if you're not careful, especially if you keep walking around with Draco's wand on your person."
"Oh, right." Hermione removed the wand and placed it atop her dresser. "We'd better get back. I'm sure they are starting to wonder what's taking so long."
When the girls emerged from Hermione's room, both men made every effort to act nonchalant, but it was obvious they were still very uncomfortable with Ginny's admission of it being her time of the month. Watching their boyfriends squirm in discomfort amused the girls immensely. Hermione caught herself feeling a twinge of jealousy as Ginny reclaimed her place next to Harry on the couch while she was unable to make any sort of contact with Draco. A quick glance and half-smile were all she could manage without Harry noticing.
"Its getting rather late." Draco stated, breaking the silence. "I think I'm going to freshen up a bit before we have to head out to Astronomy." With that, he stood, and walking just inches in front of Hermione, causing her to steel herself from reaching out to touch him, retrieved his jumper and tie from the bar stool and retreated to his room. From the landing, he stole a fleeting glance at Hermione, and being confident neither Harry or Ginny could see him, he blew her a kiss, forcing her to bite the insides of her cheeks to keep a full-fledged smile from breaking across her face.
"I should probably freshen up as well." Hermione informed her friends. "Its been really nice hanging out with you tonight. I've missed spending leisurely time with you guys."
Harry nodded in agreement. "I feel the same way. And who knew Malfoy could be so pleasant as well."
"Yeah, who knew?" Ginny echoed her boyfriend, while shooting Hermione a 'oh-Harry-you-have-no-idea' look.
"Goodnight." Hermione stated, rising from her chair, As she exited the living room, she gave the red-head a playful look that clearly meant, 'shut your face.'
Harry and Ginny were still snuggling on the couch when Draco and Hermione walked through the portal on their way to Astronomy. They'd both been in such a hurry to leave the cottage and be alone with each other that they didn't stop to consider that as soon as they stepped through the portal they would be in the company of Professor Sinistra.
"Mr. Malfoy. Miss Granger. You're earlier than usual tonight. Eager to learn about Saturn, are we?" It was phrased as a question, but the dark haired witch didn't allow time for an answer as she continued, "Can't say that I blame you. It is my favorite planet. Well, let's get to it, shall we?"
Hermione found it nearly impossible to concentrate. Saturn and its rings were the last thing on her mind at the moment. She caught herself replaying the night's events on a loop in her mind, starting with returning from the owlery and ending with doing the dishes. She stole countless side glances at Draco, and found him returning them every time. After a 45 minute lecture on the composition of Saturn's rings, Professor Sinistra declared they would be spending the remainder of the lesson studying Saturn through the telescope, but since there was only one, they would have to take turns.
The students rose from their tables and followed the professor onto the balcony. "Hermione, you will go first."
As she bent over the eye-piece, Draco slid his hand discreetly into hers. She laced her fingers with his as Professor Sinistra described the distinct landmarks she was to be looking for. After ten minutes, they switched places, and it was Draco's turn to examine the ringed planet. When they were dismissed, they made a conscious effort to pack their bags at a normal speed although internally they were aching to leave the tower as soon as possible.
Once far enough down the stairs that she was sure they wouldn't be seen, Hermione turned to Draco and blurted, "Ginny knows about us."
"How?" Draco questioned.
"Because she knows how to read me like a book." Hermione answered. "But, don't worry. She promised not to tell Harry anything."
"So, she's okay with it? With us?" Draco asked.
"Surprisingly, yes, she is. I explained to her that you're different this year. I didn't give her many specifics, but I did explain that the reason you'd been so horrible to me was to protect me." Hermione saw the pain in his eyes as she said those words, and stepped forward to assure him. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest as she went on, "Ginny understood. Just like I understand."
His strong arms coiled tightly around her, pressing her deeper into him. For several minutes they simply remained standing in each other's embrace. Draco placed a kiss atop her head and she smiled up at him. His silver eyes burned like lanterns against the blackness of the night. She slid her hands down to meet his, locked her fingers with his and pressing up on her tip toes, placed a soft kiss on his waiting lips.
"Thank you." He whispered, leaning his forehead against hers.
"For what?" She wondered.
"For being just who you are and for giving me a chance." Draco replied, pulling her into his arms again.
They kissed once more before walking hand-in-hand back to the cottage.
