Author's Note: I do not own any characters or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, that belongs to the lovely J.K. Rowling.
The second chapter as promised my lovelies! Please leave me reviews!
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Chapter 5: Training
It had been 4 days since Harry had told Hermione that he had been promoted and it had been the worst 4 days of her life. Not only was the Prophet continually running stories about how Ron was the greatest man alive for "putting up with Hermione," but she was also stuck with the slag that was Lillian Edwards. Every single day the woman made it a point to flirt with everyone in the office, always focusing a little more on Malfoy. It had even escalated to a point where Hermione had caught Lillian getting a little too close for comfort when she was supposed to be in training.
And training? HA! The girl was a complete idiot when it came to the Dark Arts and anything regarding defense. How was Hermione supposed to trust this girl in the field? And they really needed to get out into the field soon. Many of the creatures she dealt with were becoming jaded and she had no idea what had changed the tide, but she needed to find out soon.
Before she headed into work, Hermione did her usual Friday morning retail therapy. It had become a habit for her almost 6 months after joining the Auror department. Her and Blaise had become inseparable and they spent their Friday mornings sharing coffee and muffins in Italy looking at new pieces to place in his shop - it truly was the best way for both of them to unwind after a rough week (mostly her weeks were rough). Today would be a little different since she decided to go get her hair cut before their breakfast.
Hermione had decided on Tuesday during training that she would be cutting her hair. It was continually getting in her way during training and besides there was no point in keeping it long. It was time to move on to the next phase of her life and leave behind the Gryffindor princess facade that she gave every one. It was time to show her true side.
The bell rang as she walked into the salon that she frequented in Italy. She loved coming in here since barely anyone knew her nor care to have her divulge about her British lifestyle.
A tall woman with sleek black hair cut into a bob approached Hermione, "Ciao bella! How are you my dear?"
Hermione grabbed her friends hands and kissed both of her cheeks, "I am well! How are you Francesca?"
Francesca squeezed her hands, "Oh I'm delightful. I am so glad to see you! I feel as though I haven't seen you in centuries! What are we doing today?"
Hermione laughed, "Yes, it's been awhile! And just a cut."
Francesca eyed her, "So a trim as usual?"
Hermione looked at her with a twinkle in her eye, "No, I believe it's time to get rid of the long locks."
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Blaise waited at their usual cafe with Hermione's blueberry muffin and latte in his hand. She was late, but he knew she was getting her hair done. He was looking through a shop's windows when he felt a finger tap his shoulder. He turned to see his best friend standing there in all her glory.
Hermione had chopped her hair to be just above her shoulders. It hung in soft curls framing her face in caramel, honey, chocolate, and dark brown. She was wearing an emerald green suit jacket with a black silk camisole and black slacks. Her heels were the same black high heels she always wore to work. She no longer looked the part of the Gryffindor Princess she had been showing the world for the past 2 years. Here stood his friend: beautiful, strong, dark, fierce, kind, loyal, and intelligent.
Blaise smiled brightly at her and jokingly said, "Are those new shoes?"
Hermione smacked him playfully, "Blaise!"
Blaise rolled his eyes, "Oh hush, I know you haven't changed your heels in years for work. You're too dedicated to those ones since they're 'practical.' I love the new hair! It really brings out your face more."
Hermione finally smiled at him and grabbed her food and drink from his hands, "Shall we?"
The pair headed off to some of their favorite shops and vendors. Discussing new products and meeting with new fashion designers. Hermione loved these mornings with Blaise as these were the only times she could be Hermione. Not the Hermione that was a party of the Golden Trio, Holy Trinity, or whatever else people decided to name them. These mornings with Blaise were what kept Hermione sane and when she was on missions and missed these Fridays she could tell that she would begin to snap at people.
Blaise loved these mornings too. Hermione provided something Draco never could, an outlet to discuss his unending love for fashion and Theo. As they were exiting their last store, Blaise thought it as good a time as any to bring up his encounter with Blaise on Monday.
Leaving out the part where Draco had owled, Blaise began to recount the day to Hermione. When he reached the part where Theo had asked him out, Hermione appeared as if she was about to burst, "Well, what the bloody hell did you say?"
Blaise blushed and spoke softly, "Well, I said yes. Our date is tonight. He's taking me to somewhere in France."
Hermione squealed and hugged her best friend. She was so excited he was finally having a shot at true love.
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Hermione entered her office after her successful morning shopping with Blaise. She shrunk her bags, placed them in a small pouch, and attached it to her Spotted Wood Owl, Pipsqueak. When she turned back around to her desk her eyes met the tall wizards eyes. His eyes were twinkling and looked more and more like silver every time they gave her that twinkle.
"Can I help you, Malfoy?" Hermione crossed her arms across her chest and stared at him.
Draco's eyes began to change from silvery pools to dark orbs as he took in her appearance more and more, "Have a good shopping trip did we?"
Hermione sighed, "Really Malfoy? I do this every Friday. What do you want?"
Draco shook himself from his dark thoughts and looked at her intensely, "It's your favorite time of the day. Training. Are you ready to knock some sense into the babies?"
Hermione laughed as she walked past him, "Boy am I ever!"
Draco watched her walk away wishing more and more that he could see her under those clothes. When he saw her walk in in his favorite suit jacket he couldn't barely contain himself. He knew he was in deep when he saw her new haircut and his eyes almost bulged out of his head at her beauty.
Hermione made her way to the locker room to change into her training gear for the session. Today everyone would pair up and practice sparring. Sometimes partnerships would change based on assignments for the week, but it never lasted more than a week. Hermione had only seen it once where two people had sparred together really well and were switched for good. As she changed into her black leather pants, tank top, and knee high boots, she thought back on her exchange with Malfoy.
Why was he being so nice? He knows I go on my weekly trips with Blaise. It's not starting to bug him is it? Oh why do I care what Malfoy wants? Was our conversation actually civil? What the hell is happening?
Hermione finished changing and made her way to the training room where everyone was beginning to gather. Harry was at the front of the room. Every week when they met, Hermione was reminded of their time in Dumbledore's Army and always felt a little bittersweet.
"Attention! We will begin sparring. I will move you around as I see fit. If I tell you to change partners, do not ask questions, just please do so and we will be done soon. Those who do have partners, please pair up and begin sparring. Those that do not, pick a partner and begin."
Everyone made their way to their mats and began sparring. It took Hermione a moment to find Lilian, but as soon as she spotted the bouncy blonde, she knew her mat would be next to Malfoy's. Lillian was staring at Malfoy in fascination as he was sparring Neville. Both were holding their own, but Hermione's attention was on finishing the training with Lillian. Hermione cleared her throat as she approached the mat and Lillian snapped away from the men. Both bowed and began sparring. Within 10 minutes, Hermione had knocked Lillian down 5 times and hexed her another 7. Hermione was bored, but Lillian was flustered, especially since Malfoy wouldn't help her up any time she was thrown or pay any mind when she was hexed.
Harry walked up to his best friend and whispered, "'Mione, take it easy. The girl is new."
Hermione almost lost it, "Harry I am. I've only been using Stupefy and hexes that every first year knows when playing tricks on one another. This is ridiculous."
Harry sighed, "Fine. Lillian, you're done for now, take a break. Malfoy, switch to Hermione. Neville, when Lillian is ready, you can begin training with her."
Before Hermione or Draco could object, Harry walked away. Hermione knew it was useless since Harry had already said not to ask questions.
Malfoy moved to her mat and they bowed to one another. They began sparring one another, throwing stronger hexes and spells at one another than they ever had with any other partner. Their session lasted about 30 minutes before Hermione finally caught Malfoy with a Bat-Bogey Hex. Due to the charms on the room, the hex didn't do too much damage to the pretty blonde, but it sure did freak him out which was what Hermione had been planning on.
Everyone gathered around Harry as he began to speak at the end of their training session, "Alright everyone, good work today! After you shower up, you can all head home for the day. First and foremost, we have a few partnerships that will be permanent for the time being. Neville Longbottom and Lillian Edwards and now partners as well as Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. The rest of you will receive owls of your partners for next week if there are any changes."
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Author's Note: Uh-oh maybe Hermione was wrong about Harry's inability to pair her with Draco? Will this partnership work or will she wreck it like she did with Lillian?