A/N:Sorry for the absence! Just call me lazy. =D
I guess I should warn that this chapter has a very tiny amount of name calling in it. I don't think it's merits a 'warning' but perhaps some people do. Oh and I promise I didn't start out to make Ron so awful but it just happened that way. Apologies to the Ron fans out there.
I'm also working on a GOT fic as well [concerning a Frey girl and Robb], hoping to post it very very soon.
Thanks for reading!
Hermione's eyes fluttered open the next morning as she felt Crookshanks amble across her stomach to jump down to the floor. She turned her head and watched his fluffy orange tail disappear through the doorway. Dim light was filtering in from between the closed curtains so she supposed it was about time to get up anyway. After a bit more stretching and yawning she dragged her body out from under the warm blankets and threw on her dressing gown and stuffed her feet into her slippers.
Getting out of bed was usually easy for her. She loved the morning, especially the hour before dawn. Everything was so quiet. It had always been her favourite time to get in some more study at Hogwarts since it was pretty much a guarantee that no other students would be around. The common room always had a roaring fire and she would settle in a chair near the window so she could watch the day get brighter as the sun rose.
It was hard to wake up this morning because she had stayed up far later last night than she had in years. Ron would always make fun of her for going to bed before ten o'clock. He always stayed up way past the middle of the night, often coming in at three or four in the morning. That was if he came home at all. It was just one of their many differences.
After a nice hot shower, she shuffled into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. She leant against the bench and a smile spread across her face as she went over the previous night's events in her mind. The smile turned into a grin as she went into her room to change into clothes for work. The grin remained on her face as she made her way to the front door to leave for the library. A shuffling noise beyond the door made Hermione pause and cock her head to the side. After a minute or two more sounds of movement out the front made her wonder who or what was out there. After shrugging to herself she opened the front door and a wall of sound and light propelled her back into her home. She hastily made sure the door was locked and pressed her back against the wood, her breath coming in quick gasps. The noise outside was still quite loud and she could still hear the cameras taking snaps of her house and anything else that took the photographers fancy.
She racked her brain as to why so many journalists were camped right outside her front door. It took a couple of moments for it to click into place.
"They must have heard about my date with Draco!"
She slid down the door and buried her face in her hands. She knew her current band of cameras would be nothing compared to what Draco would be dealing with. And she could only imagine just how much he would loathe the attention after what he had told her about trying to lay low after the war. What were they going to do? She sighed and stood up straight. Right now she needed to get to work and then let the day unfold from there. She considered just apparating straight from her living area but decided against it. She didn't want anyone to think she would just run and hide. She set her shoulders and opened the door again. She looked straight ahead and managed to make her way through the throng of people to her garden gate.
The silence of the alley was deafening after the shouting of just a couple of seconds ago. Hermione placed a hand against the wall and tried to settle herself before announcing her name to the bricks. Once inside the building she breathed a sigh of relief. Hermione was certain that no one from the media would bother her at work. The Ministry wouldn't allow them into the main building and certainly not into the library. It didn't solve the problem of them being at the front of her cottage but at least she had a chance to breathe and try and contact Draco. Her hands shook as she hung her coat and bag up. What if he wanted to stop seeing her? Granted nothing had really happened yet but she wanted to hang onto the possibility of something developing between them. He was the first man she had met that could keep up with her intellectually and actually hold a conversation with her. And he wasn't thrown off when she would suddenly segue without warning into a completely different subject to the one they had just been discussing. He even seemed to delight in her random thoughts about things. She loved seeing that gentle smile appear on his face when she made an odd comment about the colour of a rose or when she would ask a question that neither of them could answer but they would enjoy mulling over anyway.
"I can't lose him", she whispered as she made her way to her office. She stepped through the doorway and stopped on the spot. Her desk was covered in a mountain of paper. Scrolls tied with fancy ribbon, properly enveloped letters and random bits of ragged paper were piled upon one another and had begun to spill onto the floor.
She had forgotten to close the window in her rush to leave the night before and it had allowed numerous owls to fly in and drop the missives in her office. Memories came flooding back to when she had received piles of hate mail when Rita Skeeter had falsely reported that she was going out with Harry and Viktor. The pain from the blisters caused by the Bubotuber pus made her reluctant to touch any of the letters. She sighed and decided to make a cup of tea before beginning the clearing up. It was going to be hard to get any work done today. She knew it was just the beginning. What she really needed to do was speak to Draco so they could come up with a plan on how to deal with the situation. Nervous fluttering filled her stomach again as she thought about him and what he might say. She was so distracted that she didn't notice the very object of her thoughts was standing at the bottom of the staircase, watching as she descended. Draco cleared his throat to get her attention before she bumped into him.
Hermione started and a grin broke out on her face when she saw him, only to be replaced by a lesser smile that was closer to a frown than anything else. They stood awkwardly before Draco held out a hand to her. She took it and he drew her into a hug. With his chin on top of her head he said, "Don't worry about this. I'm sure it'll all blow over in a couple of days. I'm more concerned about how the newspapers and magazines found out and why the person telling them did so."
Both of them thought of the only person who could have relayed the information to the media.
Narcissa.
But why? Draco wondered. He already knew of her disdain for his relationship but he had thought her organising of the ball was going to be the only interfering she would attempt. To leak the date they had gone on to the media was almost childish and not up to the standard of deceit he was used to from his family. He was glad his father wasn't present. He could only begin to imagine what schemes that man would dream up. Or perhaps he would go for the simplest remedy. He would most likely have murdered Hermione without a thought and then moved on with his life. More dark thoughts followed as Draco attempted a smile before pulling away from Hermione.
"Is there some where we can sit and have a cup of tea or something?"
Hermione nodded and led the way to the break room. She gestured to a chair for Draco to sit in and proceeded to make them each a cup of strong tea. Once she was sitting across the table from him she found she couldn't look him in the eye.
The rim of her mug was very interesting all of a sudden. When Draco realised she was avoiding eye contact he chuckled and reached across the wooden table top to gently brush his fingers across her hands to try and get her to relax the death-like grip she had on her mug of tea.
"Hermione. Look at me."
It took a moment longer than it should have but finally brown eyes met blue ones.
"Our date last night was the best time I've had in quite a while. Maybe even the best time I've had in my whole life really."
A grin reappeared on her face as his words reassured her. That and he didn't break eye contact with her. Surely he would be all darty eyed if he was lying. Wouldn't he?
"I know it's unsettling to be bombarded with all of this attention but we will get through it. A couple of cameras and magazines won't deter me from spending more time with you. And we will deal with anyone else involved as well. Ok?"
Hermione nodded and took a sip of her drink. The next words from Draco's mouth almost made her spit it out in surprise.
"Oh and there will be a ball at The Manor in about a month's time. I was thinking you might like to come with me? Or if you don't want to then that's ok. I get that you like to stay out of the spotlight and all that…."
She shook her head quickly and managed to swallow her tea before blurting out, "Of course I'd love to go! I might be a boring librarian at the Ministry library but I'm a woman too. Any excuse to get all dressed up and have a night out works for me!"
Her eyebrows drew together in a slight frown and she thought about it a bit more.
"But won't your mother mind you bringing me? I know she's not too pleased with us and there will be an awful lot of your family's friends there too. Are you sure it's a good idea?"
Draco huffed and glared into his mug before answering.
"Even if mother disapproves it doesn't matter. If I want to take my girlfriend to a party then I will. And we'll have a great time too!"
They both burst into laughter at how childish Draco sounded. Their mirth turned into easy conversation as they discussed this and that. After two more cups of tea, Hermione reluctantly said, "I really should get back to work. I've got a mountain of letters as a result of the news about us. I suppose I need to deal with them as well. Goodness knows what they say."
"Would you like me to stay and help? I can try and intercept the ones with unpleasant surprises in them. I'm sure there are a lot of them since the female wizarding population must be heartbroken that I'm now taken."
The goofy grin on his face was enough to send Hermione into a cascade of giggles. Draco took the opportunity to rise and walk around the table to kiss her into silence. After a couple of breathless moments they broke apart. Hermione smoothed her hair and smiled. "And here I thought this day would be horribly dull. Come on, I'll see you to the door and then I really must get back to my office."
They held hands as they ambled over to the double doors that led in from the main foyer. They paused for a quick kiss before Draco said," So, I was thinking, since the secret is out now and everyone knows or at least think they do I was wondering if you wanted to go out to dinner tonight? There's no point trying to hide now."
Hermione was about to answer in the affirmative but remembered something.
"Oh! I can't. Sorry. I promised Ginny I'd pop by her house tonight after work." She left out the part about her visit being for the sole purpose of telling Ginny about their date.
Then an idea occurred to her.
"You could always come with me if you'd like? I know Ginny would love to reacquaint herself with you and it might be easier if you meet everyone again one at a time."
Draco paused before answering, thinking it over. He knew he would have to get along with Hermione's friends if they were going to make a go of being a couple. It had been a long time since school and everyone had grown up. He hoped they could put their differences aside and accept him. He nodded.
"Yeah sure. I can't say I'm not interested to see how all of my old enemies are going. Shall I swing by here after work and we can go over together?"
Hermione nodded and kissed him quickly on the cheek. "I'll see you later then."
She watched as he made his way out of the door and then she ran up the stairs to her office, her happiness and excitement making her feel as if she was floating. She pushed the letters that had fallen into her chair off onto the floor and almost fell onto the seat. Her heart was beating so fast, like it would jump out of her chest and out the window. She felt all jittery and couldn't make the smile on her face go away. So this is what it felt like to be excited by someone. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this way. She knew she wouldn't be able to focus on work so she grabbed a letter opener and began going through her mail. Her blissful mood helped her get through the horribly insulting letters and her smile got even wider when she read the ones that were encouraging of her relationship. Even a couple of death threats didn't bring her down from cloud nine but she did put them in a pile of their own, just in case they needed to be looked at more closely. After the war she had grown accustomed to all sorts of letters that people would send. After a couple of years the letters mostly stopped, one would come in every now and then but Hermione was happy that people had moved on from the war and had gotten over the 'celebrities' that had been created during the war. Harry still had to deal with it a fair bit but luckily his work as an auror kept him busy and moving around.
Like Draco he had managed to stay out of the direct spotlight of the media. Hermione knew that if they could just put their past aside that they would most likely get along rather well. They actually had a lot in common. She smiled as she thought of the look on Harry or Draco's face if she actually said that to either one of them.
The rest of her day was spent replying to the sane letters and burning the horrible ones. Pleasant thoughts drifted through her mind all day but it wasn't till it was nearly time for Draco to come by so they could go to Ginny's that she realised she should have owled her about bringing someone with her.
"Ah well. I'm sure it will be fine. I hope," she said to no one in particular.
She grabbed the stack of letters that she wanted to show Draco and left her office, happily humming to herself as she walked down the stairs to the ground floor. A tense feeling in the air made her glance up and she almost groaned when she saw who was standing there.
"Really Ron. You shouldn't start making a habit of appearing at my place of work like this. How do you keep on getting past the reception without anyone letting us know you're here anyway?"
His scowl deepened and he made a shooing motion with his hands.
"I shagged the blonde who sits at the desk once and now she'll do anything for me."
Hermione grimaced at the implication behind his words. She should have known anyway. If history had taught her anything she wouldn't be surprised if Ron had slept with half the planet by now. He stomped closer to her, holding a newspaper in his hands. He waved it in her face and nearly shouted," Is this true? Are you that much of a desperate whore that you'll shack up with anyone now? He's dirt Hermione! How could you do this to me?"
She resisted the urge to take a step back as he crowded her personal space. Her words dripped with venom, making him flinch slightly.
"How could I do this to you? You can't be serious. I thought we had already talked about this but it seems you're not as smart as I give you credit for Ronald. You forget that before we broke up you cheated on me numerous times. And in our own bed for goodness sake!"
She threw her hands up in frustration.
"But more importantly. WE-ARE-NOT-TOGETHER-ANY-MORE! I can't believe you think that I'm always just waiting to come running back to you every time you have a hole in your social calendar. I guess I can add 'delusional' to the list of how to describe you to people. I thought I made it clear that we are no longer an item. I hope my being with Draco provides you with some much needed clarity on the subject."
The darkening rage on his face made her falter a little, wondering if she had pushed him too far by mentioning Draco in such a way. She saw his hand curl into a fist and wondered if he was going to strike her. Ron had never hit her before but she knew his rages could be nasty. Many a hole had been made in the walls of their apartment as he took his frustration out on the plaster. Before either of them could move a voice sounded from the entry doors.
"Is everything alright?"
Hermione leaned around Ron and relief washed through her at the sight of Draco standing there. He appeared calm as he looked at the situation before him but he was a master at concealing his true emotions. As soon as he had walked into the room and seen what was unfolding in front of him, his first instinct had been to pounce on the weasel and pound him into oblivion. His mind managed to whisper that it would be a poor choice for the moment so restraint ruled as he tried to smother the urge to punch and kick.
Hermione, I think it's time we go," he held out a hand and she smiled gratefully and moved around her ex to get to safety. Ron's hand shot out and clamped down on the tender flesh of her forearm and she squeaked in surprise and pain as she looked into his eyes. An almost smile formed on his face at the noise she made but it was quickly gone as Draco strode over and grasped Ron's wrist tightly.
"I suggest you let go. Unless you want me to attempt to snap your wrist. By all means let me have a go."
Draco spoke quietly but the menace in his voice was evident. Ron appeared to think about it for a moment but finally let go of Hermione's arm. A red impression of his hand was on her skin and she knew it would form into a bruise by the morning. Draco put his arm around her shoulders and without another glance at the red head, he steered her toward the door. Before they made it out into the reception hall they heard Ron shout.
"You won't get away with this ferret! You've got the bitch for now but I'll make you pay! No one treats me like this!"
They made it out the front of the building and Draco apparated right there on the street, not caring who could see them. They appeared in Hermione's living area and she felt her legs give out almost immediately. Before she really began to fall to the floor, Draco scooped her up and sat on the couch with her on his lap. Her face was pressed into the side of his neck and he wrapped his arms around her, anchoring her to him and making her feel safe and secure. He stroked her hair and back, trying to offer what comfort he could after such a horrible confrontation. For a moment he had thought Ron was going to hit her. The thought had made his stomach feel like it was full of rocks and his heart had begun to race as adrenalin kicked in. He was still feeling a bit jumpy but made an effort to settle down.
They sat like that for some time until Hermione lifted her head and said, "Thank you. I'm not sure what was going to happen but I'm glad you were there to stop it."
She kissed his cheek and made to get up from her comfortable seat. Almost too comfortable actually. She wanted to stay on his lap all night and just spend time with him. And the melting feeling she had whenever she touched him wasn't too bad either. Just being near him helped to make her feel better after the confrontation with Ron. She still felt a little odd but knew she had to try and not let it affect her or the rest of her afternoon. Which was why she was trying to get up and change out of her work clothes.
"Are you sure you still want to go out tonight? We can just stay here and hang out. I can cook us dinner."
The idea was tempting enough to make her stop moving to stand up but in the end she knew which choice she should make.
"That sounds wonderful, it really does but I should really keep my word to Ginny. If we don't stay too long maybe we can come back here for coffee or something?"
Draco nodded in agreement and hoisted himself off of the couch.
"Well, I'm going to go change quickly and then we can leave ok?"
He nodded again as he wandered over to one of the many bookcases that lined the walls. Hermione rushed into her room and threw on the same pair of jeans she had worn the other night but chose a long sleeved maroon top instead. She sat on the bed to pull on a pair of pink and blue striped knee high socks and slipped on some plain black flats. After a quick glance at her hair she decided it would do. She walked out to find Draco engrossed in a book from her shelves. He didn't realise she was ready until two slim arms wrapped around him from behind and tightened in a hug of sorts. He hummed appreciable as she stroked his chest and stomach through his jumper. He turned in her embrace and held her close, running his hands up and down her back. She sighed contentedly.
"Are you sure you want to go out? I can think of something else I'd like to do."
She could hear the smile in his voice and was again tempted by his words. She groaned and stepped back, away from the intoxicating scent of the male before her.
"Let's go. The longer we stay here the more difficult it will be to leave."
After a cursory look out the front of her house through the front curtains, Hermione decided it might be best to apparate from the living room instead of going outside. There were still a couple of camera men out there and she would really rather not fan the flames of her supposedly torrid love affair. She held out her arm and Draco took it lightly, taking care not to hurt her bruised arm.
"Ok. 1…..2…..3….."
And they were out the front of Ginny's. The windows glowed from the lights on inside, giving the house a nice inviting feeling. Hermione patted Draco's arm reassuringly as they made their way up the garden path to the front door.