Hermione spends Sunday morning being a little reflective. She can admit, in hindsight, that she was a little drunk last night. Not absolutely totally hammered mind you, but certainly not in full control of her faculties.
And she had flirted with Draco Malfoy.
Oh, he probably didn't pick up on it, of course. For just a moment, she thought he seemed like he was leaning into her, the heat from his body making it hard to breath. But then he'd pulled back and shut down emotionally and she imagines the moment must not have been what her vodka-addled mind thought it to be.
But she can't deny her part in it. She had certainly sat more close to him than is proper. She had absolutely arched her back just so to accentuate the swell of her chest. And she had most assuredly giggled and fawned at everything he said.
Unfortunately he hadn't said much. When they had sat together she was sure the sexual tension in the room would drown her. Slowly though, it was replaced with a slightly awkward atmosphere and then he had retired to his bedroom with a polite, if a little cold, good night.
And what the fuck is she thinking anyway?
This is Malfoy for God's sake. Not to mention her charge which makes this entirely unprofessional to even be thinking of.
It's not as if she's lonely. She had a few dates just last month with that muggle bloke who had divine silk sheets and a penchant for fine dining. He had been a fun distraction. But something about Malfoy's confident air, sleek build, and piercing eyes is enough to make her come undone. It's not lost on her that he is also the definition of a 'bad boy', and one with which she has a history no less. No, allowing anything pursued between them would be her taking advantage of the situation. He is in her care with no network of family or friends. She is all he has in this world so of course he might seem to respond to her presence. But obviously it would just be misguided comfort.
From today on, she vows, Hermione needs to treat this situation with respect and dignity… not throw herself at the man like some common tart.
It sounds all well and good until she bounds into the kitchen and finds him stirring something on the stove in nothing but pajama pants sitting low on his defined hips, his hair tousled in a yummy, freshly-shagged kind of way.
Somehow, by an absolute miracle from heaven, she stifles an approving hum and sits and the breakfast table behind him. "Good morning, Draco."
She's starting to prefer the intimacy of his first name. Professional doesn't have to mean distant after all. Or so she justifies.
"Morning."
"Sleep well? I absolutely died the second my head hit the pillow. You're hard to keep up with." She smiles though he's not looking at her, hoping to create a warm environment to counter his, apparently, solemn mood.
"I slept fine."
Hermione frowns and stands to cross the kitchen, approaching her coffee maker. "Thanks for making coffee. Can I pour you a cup?"
He grunts something that might be "sure" and she goes ahead making the cup just like she has learned he likes: Lots of milk, very little sugar.
When she sets it beside him, she sidles up closer than necessary and peers around his arm to look at the stove top. Her internal promise to keep her distance is growing increasingly difficult. A combination of his ridiculously toned back and the yucky feeling that seems to churn in her stomach when he ignores her is pushing her to be friendlier than originally intended. "Scrambled eggs? Can I help? I promise Harry's opinion on my cooking is a bit out of proportion."
"I've got it. Thanks though." Almost nice. At least more than a monosyllabic grunt.
Hermione chews on her bottom lip, watching him stir the eggs around the skillet as they cook. She feels a little desperate to start a conversation to engage him. Hermione has this sinking feeling she has done something wrong. Maybe he took offense to her overly familiar behavior?
"Tomorrow, I've taken the day so we can start the process to enroll you in licensing classes. I'll take you to the administration office and then we'll figure out transportation for you on days I have to go to the office."
Draco is scraping the eggs from the pan onto two plates. Each already has bagels and lox already prepared. He doesn't respond but instead turns and hands the plate to her. She smiles at him and offers her thanks. He acknowledges with a nod but doesn't exactly meet her gaze.
They sit and eat for a short time before Hermione places her fork on the table. She has decided she needs to stop internalizing and take care of her charge. This probably isn't even about her and she is selfishly focused on completely inappropriate things.
"Are you alright, Draco? You're… quiet today. Is there something we can do? Anything you need?"
The look he gives her, meeting her eyes dead on for the first time this morning, could either wither her or make her shiver. She's not sure which. A beat and then finally he drops his eyes back to his plate and seems to take a breath. "No. Just tired probably. From yesterday. Are you staying in today?"
She nods and starts to say yes but then pauses and smiles broad. "You know what. No. I'm not staying in. And neither are you. It's been a week now and you've hardly been out of my flat. Let's go do something worldly."
He frowns. "You mean something muggle I supposed."
She waves her hand around, rolling her eyes a little. "Tomato. Tomato. You can't just call everything muggle anymore. Or wizarding. It's all rolled up into one. But we could do something you've never done before. Is there anything you know about that has you curious?"
Again he eyes her in that indescribable way but eventually just shrugs. "Not really. I don't really know anything muggle." They are both thoughtful a moment and Hermione is about to start throwing out tourist attractions when he speaks again, in a tone she's never heard.
"There was something, since you ask, but it's not muggle."
At this point she would do nearly anything to help him revert to the playful and open version of himself she had just started to see.
"I'd like to see people I used to know. Or maybe visit Diagon Alley. If it's still even there."
She nods in encouragement. "It is. Though it's not secret anymore. And a lot of muggles wander around like it's a tourist attraction. But it is still primarily a wizard's trade district. We are going to go there tomorrow though, after we get your initial wand permit. We'll go to Ollivander's."
"I… I'm not sure that's a great idea. Surely there are other wand shops…"
Hermione is a bright witch, or so she's been told, and she doesn't need written instructions to figure out Draco's hesitation at seeing the infamous wand vendor. "I've already been to see him, Draco. He has a selection of wands ready for you to try in fact. Wands he feels might work well for you specifically. I promise he harbors no resentment toward you. No more than I."
"Oh, so only a little then." His sarcasm is meant to sting but Hermione just shakes her head.
"So only none at all, Malfoy," she snarks back. Hermione rises from the table. "Come on then. Diagon tomorrow so today let's see if we can't drop in and visit one of your friends. Would you like to see Theo? Or we could…visit Goyle in prison." She hesitates to offer the latter. Visiting Goyle, who is notoriously less than apologetic about his role in the war, is not one of her favorite possible activities. But in this, she feels she needs to give Draco space to make some decisions, finding closure where and with whom he needs.
He looks up at her and searches her face. She's not sure what he sees there but he seems to relax and stands as well, handing his plate over to her expectantly, eyebrows raised. "I cook, you clean. I'll be in the shower." He winks and strides out of the room, calling back over her shoulder, "I'd rather see Theo by the way. Goyle was a knob."
Watching him walk away she shakes her head, equal parts bemused and confused by his erratic mood shifts.
XXXXX
Some could argue it's an abuse of power, using her contacts at work to find the Parkinson's personal information, but this is a work related quest, never mind that it's more of a luxury than a need.
Hermione is in her home office, networked into her office database, dialing the number on Pansy's file. She has been listed as "Non-hostile" by the muggle/wizarding oversight board. She carries full authorization for Charms, Transfigurations, Apparitionary travel, and even a low-level Potions license due to her position with an apothecary in Essex.
The line rings twice before it is answered by what Hermione assumes to be a muggle. "4753. Parkinson."
"Good morning. This is Ms. Granger with Integration Services for Ms. Pansy Parkinson if she is available."
"Hold the line please."
A quick silence is followed by a somewhat less friendly female voice when compared to the presumed muggle. "I didn't know I needed help with Integration, Granger. Or are you calling to hassle Theo now?"
Hermione smiles into the phone though Pansy can't see it, knowing it changes your tone of voice to wear the proper expression. "Nothing of the sort I assure you. I am calling to make a request actually."
She hears Pansy snort into the phone then sardonically reply, "I can't imagine anything you need being of interest to me."
Hermione smile is wearing thin quickly. "I'm calling for Draco Malfoy actually." Silence meets her from the other end of the line so she continues. "He is currently establishing himself with new living arrangements and would very much like to visit with some former associates."
"Translation: He's out of prison and lonely? No need for the professional bullshite, Granger."
She starts to reply, probably a little hotly to the remark, when Pansy bowls over the conversation and brings it to its end. "But sure. Yeah. I bet Theo would like to see him. Bring him 'round my place at three o'clock. I'm sure you know where I live. Muggles know bloody everything. Ta ta, Granger."
And the line goes dead.
What a joy this visit with be.
XXXXX
Draco is feeling a little nervous. Not so much about seeing Theo. They are on equal footing after all. Both ex-Death Eaters, both recently released, both Purebloods floundering like aliens on a new planet.
He's a little nervous to see Pansy again. Nervous but also fucking thankful she's betrothed to someone that is most definitely not Draco Malfoy.
But then Hermione is here and Hermione and Pansy in the same place sounds like a wretched idea. Screechy, nasty, clingy, vapid Pansy Parkinson with clever, confident, bossy Granger? His head already hurts.
Hermione has been oddly quiet in the car on the way, especially after she seemed to be extra-talkative at breakfast. He was wary of her after their almost-moment last night which had left him feeling foolish and frustrated. He had meant to try to 'break the ice' as the muggles say during the drive but he's having trouble forming thoughts while racing around in a big metal coffin. Today, probably because their conversion has been strained, Hermione put some muggle music on in the car so the road noise is a little drowned out by something called "Muse". He's not sure if it makes him feel better to have something else on which to focus or if he's more terrified that his driver might become distracted and forget to look out for…
"That car, Granger! He's really close… just-could you please slow the fuck down!?"
"You need to get used to this you know. If not in a car, you'll most likely be taking a bus when you start classes. Would you feel better if you learned how to drive yourself?"
Yes, matter of fact, he probably would. Draco does not much care for not being in control. He crosses his arms with a bit of petulance and grumbles out, "probably."
He sees her smile from the corner of his eye and it's that cute one-sided smile that makes his head spin so he turns to look out the window instead.
"Once you have some magic permits under your belt we will look into a driving class too."
He grunts in response.
They go back to their Muse-soundtracked silence until he feels the car slow and finally park.
"We're here. Are you ready?" She is looking at him with discerning interest, probably worried he's pushing himself to face something. Little does she realize that this is the easy part. Going back home with her and her stupid tank top is way harder.
He answers by simply unlatching the seatbelt and opening his door a little roughly.
XXXXXXX
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Draco, Hermione is pulled up to her full height (which is diminutive compared to the blonde statue beside her) and trying to look confident and in charge. The door opens to reveal a middle aged woman in a hilariously traditional maid uniform. "Can I help you?"
"Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. We have an appointment with Ms. Parkinson at three this afternoon."
The woman gives a quick nod coupled with a precise blink and then steps back from the door. "Yes of course. This way if you please."
Draco steps back and gestures for Hermione to precede him. She smiles in thanks for his manners and hurries to follow the brisk pace set by Pansy's staff.
The estate is not nearly as large as Hermione remembers Malfoy manor to be, but it is certainly pretty grand by most standards.
Passing through the depth of the residence, they come out the other side exiting onto a lovely stone patio with partial cover that overlooks the well-manicured grounds. Shrubberies shaped into precise rectangular shapes line three paths that lead from each entrance on the back of the house, converging at a tiered fountain at the property center. Between the guests and the lovely scene, a not-too-small table is positioned in their wake, Pansy Parkinson and Theo Nott sitting beside one another and facing back towards the house. They both rise in greeting.
"Madam, Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Granger as scheduled."
"Thanks, Martha. That will be all." The older lady bows and steps around Hermione to retreat back into the house.
Hermione glances over at Draco to find that classic Malfoy mask of indifference on this face. But his hands are clenched just slightly.
"Ms. Parkinson, thank you for allowing us time in your schedule."
Pansy rolls her eyes and groans. "Oh my God, Granger, are you going to keep up that swotty, stuck-up tone all afternoon? My friends call me 'Pans'. I suppose I could allow 'Pansy' from you though." Then she turns away and seems to have no more time to worry about Hermione Granger.
"Drakie! Oh Merlin we've missed you!" Her arms are thrown around him before he can blink and he actually steps back a bit as to not lose his balance. His arms circle her awkwardly in return.
"Good to see you, Pans." He looks over the patio and nods. "Nott."
Theo walks around the table and offers his hand. Pushing Pansy away gently, perhaps a bit grateful for the excuse, Draco accepts it. What starts as a hesitant shake, ends up in a one-armed gentleman's hug between the two men. "It's good to see you, mate."
Draco smirks. "Of course it is. I'm always a pleasant sight. Isn't that right, Granger?"
Surprised to even be thought of in the moment, Hermione sputters a bit. "Wha- oh uh, yes, of course you are. And not a bit full of yourself." She recovers with the lighthearted snark and smiles at Theo. "It's good to see you, Mr. Nott. You look well."
He nods. "Quite. But that's mostly thanks to Parkinson. She spoils me, you see." The look he gives Pansy is adorably warm and she smiles back indulgently. Hermione can tell their betrothal, if it didn't start as such, has grown into sincere affection.
XXXX
If you ask Draco, Pansy is actually looking great (not that he'd admit it if you did ask of course just in case she caught wind of it). He doesn't think it's just because he's still getting used to seeing women again either. Her black hair is shiny and perfectly coifed. Her figure looks almost identical to her slender frame at age 17, if a bit more developed. With the witch still draped around him like a second coat, he sees Nott approach to offer his hand with a look in his eye that might have been a little bit of jealousy. Draco didn't need to be told out loud to encourage Pansy to let him go. Once the men shake hands, the initial frostiness dissolves and they half-embrace. It does not go unnoticed however, that in the seconds afterwards, Theo stands possessively close to Pansy.
Well, she looks nice and all but he has his own witch to show off, easily the more stunning between the two if you ask Draco. Nevermind she's not actually his per say, but that's just a detail. After a brief exchange with Pansy and Theo, Draco pulls Hermione into the conversation with an obvious tease. "Isn't that right, Granger?"
She seems surprised to have been called upon at all and stumbles over a weak come back. As is becoming his habit, he thinks she's adorable.
Nott says something sickeningly sweet to his intended and Draco can tell he is right smitten with the she-snake. Better him than me.
Pansy directs her guests to sit at the table, set with tea-service for four, and claps her hands once. "Nipsy!"
A house elf appears and bows low to the table. "Mistress? How can Nipsy be of service?"
"Be a dear and bring us some light refreshments. Scones or muffins or something… OH! And those little muggle chocolate things I like… you know the ones."
"Mallomars, Mistress?"
"Mallomars! Yes that's the one. Thank you, love."
With a pop the elf is gone.
"Have you had him long?" Hermione does not look like Draco had anticipated. He assumed to turn and find her face screwed up in disgust at the supposed mistreatment of a magical creature. Or her cheeks pink with the effort of biting her tongue. Instead she is taking a calm sip of tea, one pinkie delicately held away from the china.
"Forever. He was with us before The Fall."
"Integration," Hermione corrects.
Pansy waves her hand. "Whatever you want to call it. The end of the world as I knew it. The Fall seems more descriptive to me. Anyway, as I was saying… yes, Nipsy has been with me since I was a child. He was a gift from my Father when I turned five."
"You're taking this well, Granger. In fact I'm surprised house elves were even allowed to stay in service to their masters."
Hermione turns to look at Draco. "House elves can work for whomever they choose." He turns to Pansy for clarification.
"Muggles took all the elves in the beginning. Nipsy kicked and screamed when they collared him. Threw this nasty contraption around his neck to stop him from doing magic and drug him away. Broke my heart to watch it actually. But then they created a service. The elves see the muggle government as their ultimate master but were 'ordered'", Pansy makes air quotes around the word, "to choose homes in which they wanted to be employed. They don't like to be paid so the muggles just made it a tax to have one. I pay the muggles and Nipsy gets to live here and take care of us. Everyone's happy." The look she gives Hermione is unabashedly hostile.
"I don't know why you're giving me that look. I helped create the system so elves could go home to their families. I could see they didn't want to be separated. I'm not heartless you know."
"Just oblivious." Hermione glowers at their hostess and Theo clears his throat.
"So, Drake, you've been out what… a week?" Three sets of eyes turn to look at him and all seem happy for the distraction.
"Yes. It's been bizarre to say the least."
"No doubt. Have you tried driving yet? Or, no! Even better: Have you figured out the internet?"
"Driving and I are not going to be fast friends. As for 'internet', I've not spent much time with that. What is everyone's fascination with it anyway?"
"Are you kidding?! Granger, what did you do show him? Funny cat pictures? ? There's no reason anyone should be so flippant about something that amazing!"
She snickers in response. "I didn't want to overwhelm him so soon. That and also I thought he might like to see the actual world before getting sucked into the time-sink that is 'surfing'."
"Oh no I remember that one. It's that odd muggle sport with a board and water right? We watched it on that awful movie Wednesday."
"Point Break and no, this is a different kind of surfing." Draco pouts at the correction but she seems to notice and pats his hand gently. "Well-remembered though."
He doesn't care for the condescension but he rather fancies the hand contact.
Pansy on the other hand glances at their hands and seems to glare a bit. Adoring though she may seem of Nott, she always did have a possessive streak when it came to Draco.
Nipsy pops back just in time as the conversation has hit an uncomfortable lull.
"Nipsy apologizes for the delay. We was out of Mallomars, we was. But Nipsy has some now." The little elf beams at them all.
Hermione takes one of the offered marshmallow treats. "Thank you. I loved these when I was a girl."
"Yes I forgot. I'm sure being a muggle these aren't so special to you," Pansy snipes out.
"Muggleborn. Easy mistake I'm sure. And yes I suppose these are a bit old hat. But I'm glad you were finally able to find something about the world to like." The smile Granger graces on Pansy is so saccharine Draco nearly chokes on his scone. She is delicious when she gets spiteful.
Why was he nervous about this? This is delightfully entertaining. Draco grins to himself and looks at Nott. Theo is watching the ladies as if afraid he might have to tackle one of them soon. Draco wouldn't dream of breaking up this cat fight. He winks at his friend and takes another bite.