Draco couldn't shake the taste of her. All weekend, he felt like he was engulfed in her smell, and if he closed his eyes, he could feel her lips moving across his. The passion in her eyes had contradicted her soft touches. She was bloody perfect. He was undeserving.
He knew it wouldn't be easy. But he would give it everything he had, to try and prove himself to her. People like him didn't get second chances. Hell, he was lucky enough to get a decent job after everything that had happened. Hermione Granger, he mused, was the pinnacle of absolution. He couldn't believe she had felt the attraction between them too. It was like a string of electricity, connecting them. He wondered if it had always been there, perhaps disguised as something else.
Draco walked through the manor, Duke following closely, and headed towards the greenhouse. He knew they would need to be discrete, but he wanted to ride the lucky streak he had on Friday night and pick flowers for her. He was surprised, however, to see another blonde figure tending to the gardens. His mother had always been a vision, but the stress of the war had been hard on her. He was happy to see her transform from the anxious woman hosting Voldemort back to the loving and caring mother he had grown up with. It certainly helped to have rekindled her relationship with her estranged sister. The pair were absolutely inseparable.
"Draco, sweetheart," she called out, rising from the garden bed. Her blonde hair had been pulled back in a low ponytail, and she was sporting denim overalls covered in dirt and grass. He couldn't help but laugh at the sight of her. "What's so funny," she huffed, throwing off her gloves and placing them haughtily on her hips.
"Beautiful as ever, mum," he replied sweetly. "I need your help."
"Oh!" She gushed happily. "Does this have anything to do with Miss Granger?"
"How the bloody hell could you know that?" He grumbled. Narcissa smirked, his smirk, and clasped her hands together in excitement.
"Andy said our dearest Minister had a little more bounce in her step yesterday. And later found out from the Weasley boys you and her had gone out the night prior. Your mother can do math you know," she winked coyly.
"Nothing is sacred," he groaned, collapsing into a nearby chair.
"I won't ask for the details," she grinned and patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Shall we pick her out some lovely flowers?"
"I want the message to be kind, not too forward," he admitted. "Something nice to brighten up a Monday morning."
She walked over to the array of freshly bloomed flower, her hands grazing leaves as she inspected her work. "Well then, we have some work to do."
Hermione sat atop the Wizengamot, trying desperately to keep her passive façade in check. Internally, however, a hurricane was banging around her skull desperate to unleash its gale force winds on the next sod that misspoke. Her occlumency shields were perfectly in place, but her magic felt overcharged. She hadn't felt this terrible since the end of the Battle. The cure had been a thirty-six hour draught induced sleep and a heaping of Molly's soup. Perhaps a trip down to the Auror division would do her some good, she mused. She needed to let off some steam.
"Minister?" the head of infrastructure prompted. "Do you agree to raise the tax on international portley use?"
Hermione sighed and rechecked her notes once more. "Yes, Frederick, I do. It's been ten years, and will only increase by two percent. Does anyone wish to oppose this motion?" She asked politely. When no one moved, she felt incredibly pleased they had all unanimously agreed for once. It had been a year and two months since their last unobstructed proposal had passed. Small victories were still victories after all. "Excellent," she smiled broadly. "As you know, TONKS is ready to open very shortly. I have Unspeakable 25 working on the solution, Unspeakables 16 and 31 working on the team building, and am bringing on a private consult for treatment. This consult is both a Healer and muggle Medical Doctor, which I think will be refreshing."
Whispers started to echo around the chamber. Gathering her proverbial bollocks, she sighed to herself.
"I know you've all read the proposal. Does anyone wish to oppose the hiring of Elena Nisimov as Medical Director on this project?"
Everyone looked at one another, shrugging as they reviewed their notes. With a nod, Hermione jotted down their affirmative as the tiniest of smirks grew on her lips.
"Wonderful!" She exclaimed happily . "Besides her boundless medical and healing knowledge, Elena has also offered to create a curriculum for an anatomy and physiology course to be offered next term at Hogwarts. This would expose our students to the medical field prior to NEWTs as well as expose them to a basic healing course. Everyone should know this information by seventh year. Shall we vote on this after the holiday?"
The chamber of officials nodded and hummed approvingly, raising their hands in support. She was on a roll today with this crew. Glancing at her watch, she noticed their time was nearly up. She gathered her notes and rose, looking to close up the meeting.
"As always, I thank you for your patience and open-mindedness. We will adjourn for the day and reconvene on Friday morning."
The group shuffled out, robes blending in a sea of lavender. Some of the younger members waved or smiled politely as they exited, while the more seasoned veterans strode arrogantly away. They were extremely stubborn when it came to working with such a young Minister; however, no one could deny how successful she had been in such a short amount of time. Sighing, Hermione waved her wand sealing the chamber before making the long trek back to her office.
The halls of the Ministry had changed quite a bit after the war. The air felt different. Gone was the constant feeling of doom and dark magic, in its place there was a bit of cheer and overall buzz. Luna had explained it was everyone's auras mingling, something not even Hermione could deny, as many people genuinely felt hopeful for their futures. Yes, some people still held grudges and old beliefs, but it seemed that being torn apart so violently in the past had paved the way for community healing.
Hermione stepped into her office, enjoying the small comfort of her second home. She went about her usual post-Wizengamot routine, starting a fresh cup of tea and turning on the local muggle radio station news channel. When she got to her desk, she noticed a small bouquet of flowers with a note card attached. The aroma was intoxicating. She brought the arrangement up to her face and inhaled the wonderful mix of fragrances. Picking up the notecard, she immediately recognized the neat handwriting of a certain Unspeakable.
H-
Thank you for spending Friday evening with me.
Thinking of you.
-D
Hermione smiled brightly, her eyes sweeping over the beautiful flowers on her desk. A daffodil to represent his most chivalrous intentions. An iris to show how inspired she made him feel. And of course, a sunflower, to show how much he admired her. He filled the bouquet with white lilies, one of her favorites, all centered around the beautiful sunflower. Sighing happily, she transfigured her paperweight into a vase and placed them in fresh water.
Hermione dropped into her chair, the stress of the morning somewhat abated by her newest floral addition. She had seen a flash of blonde on her way to court, but had no chance to reach out to him. The entire weekend flew by in a haze, as she often relived their night together on her mind's projector. To think last weekend she was fucking Viktor and this weekend she was snogging Draco. The girls would be so proud of her progress. They were right, of course. She needed to stop relying on Viktor so heavily. They could probably do this dance forever with no real end results. She didn't want a marriage for convenience. She wanted love, and spontaneity, accompanied by lots of hot sex. Was that too much to ask?
Being a young professional was no easy task, especially in a society as archaic as the British wizarding world. She hoped she could help pave the road for other witches interested in pursuing their dream jobs. Progress was slow, but things were moving in the right direction. It was another reason why she admired Elena so much.
She was an amazing healer, physician, and overall total badass. She rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle to work in scrubs and combat boots, her long blonde hair always braided in some fashionable plait. Elena Nisimov was as much of a force as Hermione was, and when time permitted, the two witches would hunker down in cafes across London and debate magical theories. It was their version of girls night and was long overdue.
Hermione pulled her mobile from her robes, hoping to catch her friend in between patients. Glancing at the time, she shot off a quick text to Elena before attacking the tall pile of paperwork on her desk. She groaned as she recognized Harry's familiar handwriting in the first folder. His summary was professional, detailing the usual cases that bombarded the Auror department these days; illegal trading of animals, black market potions, dark artefacts being discovered at raids, seducing the neighbors wife and dueling said neighbor in the middle of muggle Manchester. Well, that last one was new. Chuckling, she flipped to that report and almost spit out her tea when she read Lieutenant Mullen's vivid description.
Roger Mackey came home to find wife, Gillian Mackey, "blowing that fucking twat neighbor" (Graham Goodwin) in their marital bed. Goodwin, realizing they had been caught, attempted to disapparate away but was afraid of splinching since Mrs. Mackey still had him by the bollocks, quite literally. Mr. Mackey stunned his wife, giving Mr. Goodwin enough time to grab both his wands and return fire on Mr. Mackey. The pair wound up dueling in the middle of Manchester in front of two dozen muggles after blowing out the right side of the Mackey home. Mrs. Mackey finally came to and called in. Myself and Auror Thomas disarmed the two wizards and worked with Obliviators Crow and Fernandes to restore the scene. Both men were taken in and booked for assault and fined the dueling fee. It is also noted that Mr. Mackey has requested a divorce.
Hermione couldn't contain her laughter, thankful her office was warded from outside listeners. She was grateful this hadn't turned into a crime of passion, but one could not deny the hilarity of it all. As she waved her wand over Harry's final reports, her fireplace roared with a vibrant flash of flames. Elena gracefully stepped out, her green eyes immediately landing on Hermione.
"Good God woman, I can barely see you from behind that stack of work," she snickered, pushing her square frame glasses back onto her elegant nose. "How in the hell is this place still standing?"
"I've missed you too, Doc," Hermione replied sweetly. She met Elena halfway and embraced her tightly, breathing in the smell of her vanilla shampoo and hospital bleach. "You smell like the ER," she commented dryly. The blonde laughed, throwing herself into Hermione's chair.
"Eau de Iodine," she said smiling. "I'm rounding at Saint Thomas's during the day and attending at St. Mungo's tonight. You caught me at just the right time."
"It was opportunistic, I assure you," Hermione said sitting opposite her friend. She waved her wand and starting preparing a cup for her friend. "Honey still?"
"But of course, my dear Minister," Elena replied gratefully. "I've missed you Mia. Where have you been?"
"Here," Hermione groaned, "although my indentured servitude is slowly paying off. I met with the Wizengamot this morning regarding our new joint venture."
"Oh?" Elena hummed, grabbing the fresh cup of tea and squeezing Hermione's hand in thanks. "Have the old codgers finally agreed?"
Hermione snorted and sipped her own tea. She peered over the cup at Elena and winked.
"Bloody hell Mia! I'm so excited," she exclaimed happily. Hermione laughed and passed a scroll across her desk.
"Not more than I," she said. "That's the contract I drew up, as we discussed. If you want me to add anything let me know by Friday morning. We'll be approving it at the end of court. I honestly thought it'd be another two months, but El, this is just terrific."
"You're amazing," Elena said tearfully, her eyes running across the contract. "It's fine the way it is, can I sign?"
"By all means!" Hermione nodded excitedly. Elena grabbed a pen out of her scrub pocket, signing her name in perfect penmanship. She grabbed her wand from another pocket and waved it over the scroll and mumbled "so it be written."
"You do realize I have most of the curriculum planned out," Elena gloated haughtily. Hermione chuckled and nodded, clasping her hands together in glee.
"There was never a doubt, darling. We must celebrate! I had hoped we could skip out for a liquid lunch, but alas, you must save humanity," Hermione teased. Elena rolled her eyes and tucked into the chair.
"Dinner then?"
"But of course," Hermione replied smoothly. "How is Mattius by the way? I haven't seen him in ages."
"Me either," she joked. "He's been in Vienna working with a new client. I haven't gotten laid in three weeks!"
"Three weeks!" Hermione mocked. "Whatever will the beautiful Elena Nisimov do?"
"Tease her dearest friend Mia, because she bets it has been longer," Elena said proudly until she noticed Hermione's rose colored cheeks. "You witch!" She exclaimed. "Who? When!"
"You won't be happy," Hermione warned, slouching back into her chair. Elena took one look at her posture and groaned, slapping her hand to her forehead rather loudly. "I'm never disappointed!" Hermione defended.
"We all love Viktor, but he is not in it to win it!" She yelled. "You need a new man Hermione Jean!"
"Yes mum," she teased but the look on Elena's face made her sigh. "It was last weekend and I was lonely.."
"I was lonely too, you swot!" Elena yelled dramatically. "We could've watched movies and had girl's night!"
"I know, I know," Hermione apologized. "Before then it had been three months," she said in a small voice.
"Bloody hell," Elena sighed. The healer watched Hermione carefully, her face pensive.
"I also went on a date with Draco Malfoy," Hermione added quickly. Elena's eyes widened and she quickly placed her teacup down, lurching forward in her seat.
"You did what!"
"I didn't stutter Doc," Hermione chuckled.
Elena snorted and shook her head wildly. "When was this? My god woman you go from zero to one hundred in a week!"
"This Friday past," Hermione sighed dreamily. She remembered how soft his hair and broad shoulders felt underneath her fingers. And gods he smelled delicious.
Elena motioned with her hand and Hermione couldn't help but smirk. "Did you fuck him? Cause Merlin knows that man needs to get laid almost as bad as we do…"
"Elena!" Hermione shouted. "I am an honorable woman, he is an honorable man!"
"Now that's a lie if I ever heard one," she retorted.
"We went out to dinner, walked along the Thames where we kissed. No nothing that aggressive, good Lord witch!" Hermione laughed as Elena wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "It was lovely. He sent me those flowers," she said pointing to the vase near the hearth.
Elena bounded out of the chair and inspected them carefully. "He chose wisely," she nodded approvingly.
Hermione sighed happily. "Indeed, he did."
"Mattius is like a fucking seer, I swear," Elena grumbled, reclaiming her seat. "For months he's been going on and on about 'Draco and Hermione'," she mimicked in a deep voice. "I, of course, mentioned Vik, but he disagreed. Said Viktor was never going to stay in one place and how you were rightfully sick and tired of his inability to commit. The last he saw you both together it felt different."
Hermione nodded, understanding exactly what he meant. Their entire interaction had felt laced with tension, even though they had all been friends for quite some time.
"He's a rather perceptive wizard, Mattius that is," Hermione admitted. "Draco has changed quite a bit. I think I'll give him a chance."
"As you should. He's done many good things in the last ten years, and he has a magnificent arse."
"Elena!" Hermione shouted over her laughter. The blonde shrugged innocently.
"I'm not dead Mia," she laughed although her cheeks tinged pink. "You'd have to be blind not to notice."
"Of course I noticed," Hermione said matter-of-factly. "But I'm not going to let him know that just yet."
"Hmmm." Elena winked. "Well, when we do go to dinner, you should bring Draco. Let's see if Mattius knows you're shagging!"
"We aren't sleeping together," Hermione squeaked, though the thought hadn't crossed her mind at least once today.
Elena tapped her fingers on her chair excitedly, and pointed at Hermione. "Not yet, my love."
"You are insatiable," Hermione teased.
Elena straightened up in her seat and grasped Hermione's hands in her own. "All I want is for you to be happy," she said softly. "You do so much for everyone else. I think Draco needs someone to care for just as much as you need to be taken care of. He hasn't dated in a long time either, the last witch was some French airhead that lasted a year at most. He's brilliant and I think you'd both be perfectly matched, now that I think about it. Open your heart, you won't regret it."
Hermione nodded and squeezed the other witches hands. "Do you think Viktor will be cross?"
"It doesn't matter what he thinks Hermione," she said sternly. "We both know you were ready to settle and he wasn't. He still has plenty of Quidditch to play and you aren't some groupie. He chose his career. I'm sure he also wants you to be happy, with whoever you choose."
"Everyone except James Riley," Hermione joked. The two witches laughed and sighed, fantasizing about the magnificent Irish keeper.
"Mattius knows I get a free pass if he chooses me as his next bedmate," Elena said dreamily. "What I would do to that man. I've got chills thinking about it."
"But I'm the Minister for Magic," she said flipping her hair dramatically. "I would climb him like a tree, Elena. It's just not fair to be that handsome. If Draco and I don't work out, I am going to make him my man-mission."
"Man-mission," Elena giggled loudly. "If you get to sleep with him, I do too. You think he'd be into a three-way? I've seen your arse, it is also magnificent," she flirted, her bright green eyes twinkling. Hermione nearly choked on her tea, causing the blonde to laugh uncontrollably.
"You're the only woman I'd sleep with, you know this," Hermione finally said as she scourgified her desk. "If the opportunity presents itself, you're in."
"Excellent, I'm glad that's settled," Elena said happily. "I knew I could count on you, Mia."
"Mmhmm. I don't think he could handle us. Poor bloke," she sighed.
"Too right," she groaned. "Ah bloody hell, I gotta get back. Walk me to the floo," she cooed, batting her eyelashes. Hermione wrapped her in a big hug and kissed her cheek.
"Text me?" Hermione said, handing her some floo powder.
"Of course my love. Tell Draco I said hello," she winked, giving Hermione's bum a soft pat. "Doctor Nisimov's office at St. Thomas!" She shouted clearly and disappeared in green flames.
Feeling much lighter, Hermione sat back at her desk to tackle her monumental amount of paperwork. She worked efficiently, signing and filing her various approvals into the interdepartmental mail bins. When she finally reached the bottom of the pile, she came across the Memorial Ball folder. The preparation was nearly complete, but an odd feeling filled her when she read the gala's itinerary.
She would be giving the opening address, which was an honor even now, followed by pressing palms and maneuvering conversations with other foreign ministers. There would be no bringing a date, no dancing and no drinking. She hoped Draco would attend, if they were still doing whatever this was. Elena and Mattius would be there too, and after every ball they took her on a weekend trip to escape. Would Malfoy come this time? She had never brought Viktor, as his schedule was usually filled with regular season matches.
Feeling the tension from the morning reignite, Hermione huffed and moved the lone folder back to the "to do" side of her desk. She grabbed her wand and headed towards the Auror Department to let some of this pent up magic off. She tried not to eavesdrop as she walked through the Atrium, although she greeted everyone who she passed en route. She hopped into the lift and headed towards their floor, stomach lurching as it took off from the ground. When she got to their office, a few newer Aurors quickly stood up to greet her.
"Good afternoon Kerr, Costa," she greeted kindly.
"Hello Minister," they nervously replied.
"I trust all is well? Enjoying a break from Auror Potter?" She teased. They laughed quietly, glancing at each other and back at her. "I sure am!"
She continued down the brightly lit corridor, taking a sharp left towards the training room. Two older wizards stood outside, checking wands against a large red book. When they saw her coming, they straightened although with much more grace than the new recruits.
"Well hello Minister," the tall dark wizard exclaimed. "It's been too long!"
Hermione laughed and presented her wand to him, allowing him to run the proper identification spells. She insisted everyone use these spells after she and the boys broke into Gringotts so easily.
"Neil, Ozzie, you both look well," she replied. "How is everything?"
"Quiet," Ozzie sighed gratefully. "Potter on paternity leave is a gift to us all." They all laughed as Neil finished the spellwork and returned her wand.
"What will it be?" Neil asked. "The usual? Grade four?"
"That's perfect," Hermione thanked. "You can keep it open house. I just need to unwind." They nodded and allowed her to pass into the training arena.
Hermione transfigured her outfit into comfortable combat gear. She tied her hair back as best as she could and tapped her wand around the glowing launchpad. It chimed softly before changing into an unrecognizable scene. It looked like muggle London on a dark rainy day. Hermione wordlessly silenced her shoes and creeped along a building. She came to an intersection and felt her battle magic hum through her veins, her skin electrified as she closed her eyes. She felt them first before she saw them, four different attackers surrounding her. With a flash, she charged, her wand moving seamlessly through the air. Her lips did not move but her mind's lexicon was open, page after page of spells firing from her with rapid succession. The first stunner she shot off caused the test attacker to incinerate on the spot. The second splicing hex disemboweled her opponent. The arena began generating more obstacles, as she deftly destroyed each enemy.
After a half hour of dueling, the arena admitted defeat and changed scenes. This time it was an old castle, very similar to Hogwarts in the middle of the great battle. Hermione had suggested this arena be used to help many of the students overcome their trauma. She began her second dance with the test dummies, some dressed in unmistakeable black Death Eater robes. She vaguely heard the soft chime of a second fighter joining her space, as she hopped over an enemy and dodged a bright blue curse. Carefully, she glided against the hallway, her senses on high alert. Sometimes she missed this feeling of exhilaration and being out in the field. Suddenly, she felt an incoming curse from behind and barely got her shield up in time. She immediately sent a slicing hex back, and was surprised to see a tall blonde man sending a second hex from the dummy's other side.
When the target disappeared, her heart leapt in her chest as she realized Draco had been the second fighter to join the simulator. His hair looked slightly disheveled from working his way through the first scenario, but otherwise he was unscathed. She probably looked like a hot mess and suddenly felt self-conscious as he walked slowly towards her. His eyes never left hers, and she did everything she could to not melt right on the spot. She wasn't sure how soon they would meet up after Friday night, but it seemed the fates were rather impatient when it came to the pair of them.
"Hello," Hermione said softly once he was in earshot. He smiled brilliantly and ran a hand through his hair, sending it back into place. His Unspeakable robes had been forgotten, instead he wore black shorts, trainers, and a faded Slytherin shirt. She noticed how strong his legs looked and blushed when she realized she had been caught staring.
"Hello to you," he replied just as quietly. "Decided to join my Monday afternoon happy hour?"
"Oh?" she breathed deeply, feeling as though he had sucked the oxygen from her. The arena was quiet save her slight panting from the last attack. Draco smirked and tilted his head to the side, his eyes roaming her smaller frame shamelessly.
"Potter never told you? I've been coming down here for years... on his permission, of course," he said laughing. "Although I must admit, your presence is most welcome."
Hermione felt her body flush as his gaze sent waves of heat across her skin. She knew no one would be able to see or hear them in this unit and after looking around realized the arena had paused its attacks in preparation for the next round. Draco must have read her mind because he stepped forward and grabbed her hand, interlacing their fingers. She felt her magic hum happily and race towards his hand, sending a little shock as it jumped between their fingers. She looked up and noticed his pupils had dilated, his grey eyes stormy as they surveyed her. His other hand brushed against her wand hand and made its way to the small of her back. He gave a little tug and Hermione suddenly felt herself pressed against his hard body.
"Looks like you need happy hour more than me. Feeling alright Granger?" he asked playfully although his eyes seemed slightly concerned.
"The flowers were beautiful, you didn't have to," she managed to reply. He pressed her more firmly at those words and brought their entwined hands to his lips. He brushed a gentle kiss along her hand and Hermione wished he would get to the snogging part, even if they were in the middle of a pseudo-war zone.
"You didn't answer my question, although you are most welcome," he noted smartly. "How long have you felt this magic surge? I can literally feel it through your hand. You feel warmer than usual."
So he had noticed the literal spark between them. She bit her lip, trying to remember when this all really had started. Hermione was always in tune with her magic, although not as literally as she was at the moment. "Maybe six months or so? It has come and gone," she replied off-hand. "It's actually better after the first two cases in here."
"Might be something to speak with Elena about Hermione," he replied kindly. His mouth formed his haughty pureblood smirk and he leaned in a little closer. "Although maybe you are long overdue for a proper duel. Or something else." Her eyes widened and he laughed heartily.
"Have you had a good day so far?" She asked, hoping to stay in his embrace just a while longer.
"Yes, although it has significantly improved since finding you here," he drawled. He took a glance once more over his shoulder before pushing her against the hallway wall. Her back hit the cold stone softly as he trapped her in his arms. "It was a long weekend, Minister. I hope you don't mind my forwardness."
"Never," she whispered before his lips crashed onto hers. He groaned the minute they met and Hermione felt her knees go weak. His wand was tucked into the waistband of his gym shorts and his hands cupped her face, drinking her in. She wrapped her hands underneath his arms and clawed at his shoulders, feeling the strong muscles ripple at her touch. She felt him bring his tongue to her lips and she sighed, meeting it with her own. He tasted like apples, even now, as they fought for control.
Draco moved his left hand from her face and glided it down her body. She honestly thought she might cum right there. Slowly, his hand circled her waist before coming to rest on her bum. He squeezed it tentatively and Hermione couldn't help the moan that escaped her. Encouraged by her vocalization, Draco lifted her thigh and ground himself into her. Hermione could feel how hard he was as he closed all the space between him, and he let out a low growl as they touched. He tore his mouth from her lips and began his assault on her neck, nipping and sucking as he worked his way down to her collarbone. Hermione ran her hands through his soft blonde hair and felt her magic race across their bodies. She was almost worried about what would happen if they fucked. Almost.
With a ragged breath, Draco tore his lips off of her and placed her back onto the ground. He rested his forehead against hers, drawing deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself. She kissed his lips softly and he smiled against hers.
"I got a bit carried away," he apologized halfheartedly. His cheeks were a lovely crimson. She'd have to tell him how good that color suited him one day. "Thought of you all bloody weekend. I couldn't resist."
"I wasn't complaining," she smiled sweetly. "I was in need of a good snog apparently."
He chuckled and brushed a thumb against her swollen lips. "We will have to wait for that something else, I'm afraid. This is neither the time nor place." Hermione sighed and nodded, wondering if she looked as thoroughly kissed as he. He stepped away and she immediately missed his warmth.
"Shall we continue?" Hermione said motioning to the next scenario ahead.
"After you," he bowed before grabbing his wand from his shorts. "Ladies first."
Hermione grinned and rushed forward, hearing him laugh as he followed closely behind.
He moved flawlessly, his wand gliding through the air as he effortlessly took down each dummy. Hermione had briefly wondered what it would have been like to fight beside him during the final battle. When they finally cleared the case, Hermione tapped a lone square in the corridor to checkout. Draco followed and the two were brought back to the empty sparring room. She stole a glance and saw he was slightly out of breath, but otherwise in good shape. He smiled at her and they walked towards the locker rooms. She could feel the warmth from his body as they walked from the arena, but longed to touch him once more.
"Remind me to never piss you off Granger," he teased, playfully shoving her shoulder. She grinned and stopped in front of the women's changing room.
"Well that was a fun yet random Monday afternoon," she commented dryly. He waved his wand, casting their Muffliato charm and gave her a knowing look.
Clearing his throat, he said, "I consider it a successful Monday afternoon date."
"Half a date," she corrected cheekily. He huffed dramatically, but nodded in defeat.
"How about we finish that other half on Saturday? I know we need to meet about important work things," he began smirking, "but I think I can balance that out with an enjoyable dinner. How about four?"
Hermione smiled coyly and stuck her hand out to meet his in a handshake. To anyone looking on, it would appear to be a professional goodbye. What they didn't hear was, "I look forward to our lengthy discussion and follow-up." She watched as he swallowed audibly, his Adam's apple moving deliciously as he did so.
"You won't be disappointed, Minister," he smiled. "Have a good week."
I'm so pleased with this chapter! It all came to me on a run through Central Park today, where it was a wonderful 65 degrees. I had to stop halfway and type out the full plot line I developed. The mind is truly magnificent! With that being said, I hope to update a bit more frequently now that I have a more defined storyline.
Elena is my favorite character so far, mostly because she is modeled off of my best friend who is also a physician and total badass. We are far too inappropriate with one another in real life, but she is an amazing friend whom I love dearly.
It would be mean the world if you reviewed.
xo