When Hermione received this assignment from the Ministry a few weeks back, she hoped she wouldn't run into Draco. He had said that he didn't have plans on returning to the wizarding world. She wondered what changed his mind but then pushed the thought from her mind. It didn't really matter. All that mattered was that she was here, looking at the lithe, handsome blond man, she's kissed on a moonlit Nevada cliff. One that made her feel things she hadn't in a long time. One she had to pretend she hardly knew.
Hermione swallowed, taking in the concerted look on each of the Malfoy's faces. She turned to Mrs. Malfoy. "Can I speak to your son alone for a moment?"
Mrs. Malfoy's head titled. "Why would you want to-"
Draco cleared his throat. "Mother, Father. A moment."
Draco's parents exchanged a telling glance. Mr. Malfoy leaned over and whispered to Draco but Hermione could sill hear him. "Well, alright. Just be careful what you say to her. She might be a mudblood but she's still Ministry and we don't need to be in trouble with them."
Hermione twitched at the word mudblood. It didn't bother her that much anymore but here. In this place. With these people. She would be lying if she said it didn't bring up bad memories.
"Father. Go," Draco hissed through his teeth. Mr. Malfoy nodded then followed his wife through the door.
"Muffliato," whispered Hermione, flicking her wand. She figured that the Malfoys would be trying to listen in on their conversation and that was the last thing she wanted.
Draco stepped closer to her, making her tense. She could smell his spicy, familiar cologne. "Sorry," he whispered.
She shook her head. "What are you apologizing for?"
"What my father said."
"Your father's opinion is really of no relevance to me," she spat. It was true. She had no love for Lucius Malfoy and considered it somewhat of a compliment that he did not like her either.
Draco's face hardened, a callousness Hermione remembered from their days at Hogwarts. "I was just trying to be polite."
Things had to go back to the way they were. What happened in America couldn't fit into their lives here. It was temporary escape but there was too much history between them. Too much pain and hate. Hermione couldn't get over what he'd done.
"Well you can stop, Draco. This isn't Las Vegas. We should make that clear right now."
Draco pressed his lips together, his proximity to her making her heart beat its wings. "Fine. Maybe it would be best if we stay away from each other."
If only...
"We can't right now."
"Why not?"
Hermione gestured to the room, her hand sweeping out in front of her. "This is my job. I do this well I get a promotion and more money. Some people have to work for a living."
Draco's eyes sparked, like dust set a flame. "You know Granger the only person acting superior right now is you."
A furious jolt of anger shocked through Hermione. "You know Malfoy one time I was nearly tortured to death in your dining room. You probably remember. You just stood there." Her voice cracked. A part of her regretted what she said, another part couldn't deny that it was true. A part of her understood he had no choice, another part blamed him for it.
His narrow hand wrapped around her wrist, warmness flooding her veins, beginning where their skin met. "Hermione-" he whispered.
She tugged away from his grip, shaking her head,unsure of how to act, how to feel. "Don't. Just. No. I can't." Hermione darted from the room
"Hermione," his voice pleaded behind her. She couldn't stop, turn around, look at him. She had to get out of there. Tears burned at the corners of her eyes. Staying inside Malfoy Manor was not an option right now.
She stopped in front of Draco's parents, trying to hold herself together. "Mr. Malfoy, I'll be back for another inspection sometime next week." Her voice was forced and steady. Hermione didn't wait for an answer. She rushed to the door, hearing Mrs. Malfoy's voice just before she stepped outside.
"Since when do you call her Hermione?"
Hermione hurried to the edge of the grounds, to where she could disapparate, a violent heart revolting in her chest. The weight of everything, of the war, of Vegas, of Draco's kiss, crashed down on her. She grabbed the gate of the Manor, trying to hold herself up. It was no use. She sank to the ground, knees buckled. Tears betrayed her, rolling down her cheeks.
Everyone else had found a way to move on since Voldemort's death. Harry had married Ginny. Ron had married Luna. They all had these beautiful lives ahead and where was Hermione. Drowning. Fighting against a boiling hot current that kept dragging her back to the past.
She had to get out of here.
With a deep breath, she collected herself enough to disapparate, fearing the day she'd have to return to the Manor.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Please review. I appreciate your thoughts on anything. Things that confuse you, things you like, places you'd like to see the story go. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Even though it was easy for Draco and Hermione in Vegas - it won't be here and I wanted to show that. Thanks again!