The halls of Cambridge hummed with the busy air of academia and perhaps the tiniest hint of magic. Students huddled together in small groups, frantically scratching down notes as they whispered to each other. Draco had to admit, it felt damn good to no longer be in "official" school. Sure, he spent most nights reading biological papers on viruses and their genetics. He had an eclectic mix of diagrams and a stack of books four feet high filled with names he could barely pronounce. But learning for work was considerably more enjoyable than learning for exams.
He was pleased to meet with the scientist this week before sitting with Hermione. Best not to give her any reason to think him unprepared and unqualified. He checked his mobile to confirm the address and stepped inside a large office. Drawing a deep breath, he approached the old secretary who peered over her wire-rimmed frames at him. Her stern face surveyed him critically and he almost lost his nerve.
"Good afternoon Madam," he greeted politely, trying his best not to sound too snobbish. She raised a lone eyebrow and collected some papers into a neat pile. "I'm here to meet with Dr. Mary Eastchurch."
"Your name," she drawled.
Bloody hell, she could pass as Snape.
"Draco Malfoy," he smiled widely. She slowly moved to a short list of names and nodded.
"Very well Mr. Malfoy. Doctor Eastchurch will be with you shortly."
Draco deposited himself into a nearby chair, his long legs barely fitting between her desk and his seat. The secretary, a Mrs. Stewart, ignored him completely as she rummaged through her files. He sincerely hoped she was not a reflection of the scientist; else it would be a long and grueling afternoon.
After their little run-in on Monday, Draco had not heard or spoken to Hermione. He had stopped by the previous night to visit little Albus, but had apparently missed her by two hours. Per Ginny, she was in a piss mood and he was lucky to have been spared her wrath. James was particularly grateful for his visit, whether it was because of Duke or the bag of chocolates he left nonchalantly attached to his collar.
A large door opened with a small squeak and a short man rushed out, his chic trench coat billowing behind him. An older woman followed behind him and smiled kindly at him. "And you must be Mr. Malfoy," she greeted, her wise eyes shining behind thick square glasses. Her soft blue dress lightened up the room and Draco was instantly reminded of a kinder, more muggle version of McGonagall. He stood up and extended his hand, noticing how small they were in comparison. "I've heard nothing but good things from my Hermione. Do come inside," she said motioning to her office.
Draco entered first and was blown away by the beautiful view of the Cambridge grounds. It looked so similar to Hogwarts minus the Quidditch posts of course. She had a few models of DNA throughout her office and books neatly shelved in wall to wall bookcases. He smiled remembering Hermione's office and felt at ease when she sat across from him.
"You know Hermione well?" He asked politely.
"Oh yes, for quite a few years now. She enrolled in classes here after she finished her magical education. Once she completed her studies, she would often visit to pick my brain. We became fast friends after that. I've even become friends with her mother." Draco sat shocked that she knew about the wizarding world. As if reading his mind, Dr. Eastchurch smiled even wider. "Don't look so surprised young man. I'm actually a squib you see. My maternal grandfather was a wizard from Wales."
"Well that makes this first meeting much easier," he admitted.
"Indeed," she said tilting her head. "I'm sure we will become the best of friends with all of the research ahead of us. I've agreed to provide my expertise wherever possible. It's truly amazing the differences in genetics between muggles and wizards. It's also truly appalling that this has not been addressed sooner in your world."
"I agree," he sighed. "But I am hoping with your help our team will be able to cure. Hermione is changing the educational standards now, but of course, the results will take years to seen."
"Too true," she said, sipping tea. "Now then, from what I understand you've read my book? I do hope it wasn't too dry."
"Not at all!" he complimented. Draco had read through it three times and with each pass felt more engaged than the last. He couldn't fathom the amount of research and study it had taken to compile such an extensive guide. "It was thoroughly enjoyable, especially for someone who has had minimal exposure to the field."
"Yes, Hermione mentioned you were extremely bright," she said eyes twinkling. Draco felt his face warm and folded his hands instinctively.
"No brighter than she, I'm afraid," he replied quietly.
"Well she is the exception," the scientist laughed. "Had she been educated as a muggle I'm sure she would have become Britain's next Prime Minister. It's been a joy to watch her blossom these past few years."
"I was a right prat to her in school, but even I can admit she is far too brilliant for either of our worlds," he said smiling slightly.
"All men are prats when they're young. Not that it is excusable, but certainly understandable," she chuckled. "Now, let's hear about your lycanthropy theory. Then I'll tell you what I think."
"Alright," he said straightening in his chair. "I believe lycanthropy is a virus passed only through a bite that breaks through the skin. The virus is located in the venom that is injected subcutaneously into the skin. The virus then acts like many other muggle viruses, inserting its genetic information into the DNA, altering the infected individual forever."
Dr. Eastchurch nodded thoughtfully as she listened to his opening statement, jotting a few notes down. "That sounds like a great summary, and I think you're spot on Mr. Malfoy," she began. "There are a few places we can start with this information. The first is the DNA of the healthy witch or wizard. In the muggle world, we have the human genome mapped out. We know what genes and subsequent proteins are targeted by certain diseases and are developing quite a few treatments to remedy and prevent sickness. I think if we mapped out the genome of the witch or wizard, we would be able to narrow down what differences occur between muggles and magical folks. It might be helpful for future research for other illness too."
Draco nodded and noted her recommendation. "Based on the virus theory, which I've informally named it," he began, "I think the virus codes for special proteins that are activated with the full moon. These proteins, when activated, generate the magical change that turns the infected into a werewolf."
"Absolutely," she nodded vigorously. "That is where the lab will come in. They should have bloods drawn and assayed weekly so that we can monitor the levels before, during, and after the moon. Becoming the werewolf is the vessel for the virus to spread. What the virus does the other time is just as important."
"It's also interesting that it is not passed down from parent to offspring or through sexual intercourse. I believe HIV can spread in this way?" he asked. She nodded and grabbed a small packet of papers bound in a folder.
"My life's work has been focusing on HIV," she contemplated, handing him the documents. "It's not been easy, although modern technology has helped tremendously. The other issue is of course pharmaceutical companies, or in your case, wealthy Potioneers. Being ill is big business. Curing a disease or eradicating a virus is bad for said business. It is extremely frustrating to work on such novel therapies when you are fighting every step of the way with various forces," she warned. "I'm sure you will experience some backlash soon enough."
"I'm immune to backlash," he joked dryly. "But you're right. If it was easy anyone could do it."
"Absolutely," she said smiling. "In addition to the wizarding genome and the bloods of the infected, I think it would also be beneficial to investigate the virus' properties as well as Wolfsbane. We know that the potion helps the werewolf retain its mental capacities. Why is that? Does it negate a specific viral gene associated with conscious decision? Or is it simply a medication that alters the neurotransmitters that are tipped over during a werewolf transformation? To be determined."
Draco wrote all of these things down eagerly as she watched him over her cup of tea. He flipped through the research articles and tucked them safely into his leather satchel.
"I think we are going to need help setting up a proficient lab," he murmured. "Would you be able to train our team?"
"Of course!" she exclaimed happily. "Scientists, for as much as we debate, all want the same goal: to find the answers to life's mysteries. Wizarding maladies are no exception." Draco smiled and felt a soft weight ease off his shoulders. "I think our action items are as follows: set up and train the lab at TONKS, work on sequencing the wizarding genome, isolating and characterizing the virus, and analyzing the Wolfsbane potion. These are great starting points that will give us a great deal of information and direct our attack. What do you think?"
"Brilliant," he grinned. "Hermione will be so pleased."
"I'm sure she will try to hound you the minute you get back. Best of luck with that," she teased. "It was so good to meet you Mr. Malfoy. I look forward to working with you." He nodded and they shook hands before exiting her office. He walked passed her surly secretary, smiling widely despite her indifference to him. Remembering Hermione's instructions, he walked to the music department and found a spare broom closet. He glanced over his shoulder before stepping in and locking the door. With a small turn, he disapparated back to the manor.
He reappeared at the end of the long walkway, content with taking his time back. The November weather was in full swing and he actually had to cast a warming charm to keep the cold breeze out. Most of the leaves had fallen, creating a colorful blanket across the grounds. Draco was pleased with his meeting at Cambridge and even more grateful that Dr. Eastchurch was so pleasant. Then again, everyone who Hermione Granger seemed to know was smart and kind. She surrounded herself with like-minded people, although he wasn't sure what she saw in him. He was as much of a quick study as he was a prat.
Draco couldn't help but think about her magical outburst the other day during training. She was literally electric and nearly burned his hand when her magic jumped to his. He had experienced a similar flare a few months ago, but had been able to mitigate it with plenty of running and dueling. He hoped Elena could talk some sense into her seeing as how her magic core could be damaged.
When he made it to the house, Duke greeted him enthusiastically, although with each passing week he became less and less puppy-like. They headed towards the library where Draco knew a long night of planning awaited him. He started a warm fire and set up his desk, as Duke found a soft spot close to the roaring flames. He wished he could pour himself a whiskey and join him, but work always called.
Draco outlined his action items to present to Hermione for approval. TONKS was due to open in January after the Memorial Ball and the private donors would want a concrete blueprint for the project well before then. He fell into an easy rhythm, his mind at ease after meeting with the professor.
It was well into the evening when he finally picked his head up. He had a twenty page outline detailing budget, resources, and personnel. Draco hoped this would be a good starting point for the project as well as his Saturday with the lovely Minister. Remembering how she wrote her notes in their eighth year helped him outline a little more to her liking.
His pocket vibrated and he pulled his mobile out, noticing it was midnight. Of course she would still be awake. Chuckling, he opened her messages.
How did it go? Sorry, I couldn't wait. -H
You should be asleep young lady he wrote back smiling. A second later it vibrated again.
I'll sleep when I'm dead.
He laughed out loud, causing Duke to raise a lone ear towards his outburst. The dog grumbled and sent Draco a glare before dozing back off.
If you must know, it went extremely well. She's lovely.
Oh I know. Her and my mum have become great friends.-H
She said as much. You never told me you studied there...
Minor detail. -H
I just finished a twenty page report, for your leisure.
Great, you can read it to me over a glass of wine tomorrow. -H
It would be my pleasure. Goodnight.
Draco remembered the taste of her lips after the wine last week fondly. The memory sent a wave of warmth down to his navel and he sighed in frustration at the new tightness forming in his trousers. Recognizing his bout of productivity was over, he stood up loudly waking Duke up once more.
"C'mon," he murmured, waving his wand to organize his documents neatly. He sent them into his briefcase and headed towards his quarters intent on a long hot shower.
They entered his master bedroom and Duke threw himself onto the bed without a backwards glance. Draco stripped down and hopped into the hot water. Although it warmed his bones it did nothing to assuage his hardness demanding attention. His thoughts jumped back to his favorite brunette, the memory of how wonderful her hip felt hitched on his. Her glorious arse fit perfectly in his hand. Groaning, he grabbed his cock firmly, imagining it was her small hands instead. The little noise she made when he ground against her almost sent him over the edge on Monday. Now it was his undoing. He didn't last long, the image of her panting as he touched her made him cum out of nowhere. He felt satisfied and dissatisfied at the same time.
He didn't want rush things with her, even though his body was all too willing to show her just what type of lover he could be. He knew the wait would be worth it and she would appreciate it more. There was too much on the line to speed through everything. But Merlin he wanted her.
His reputation of being the Slytherin Sex God was completely unfounded by the loose lips of Pansy Parkinson. He, being a desperate horny fifteen year old, had forfeited his virginity to her in an empty classroom on the fourth floor. It was the dullest five minutes of his life, but she was easy and he was an idiot. Like most girls, she took this as a sign of his devotion and even betrothal. He, however, would rather die in Azkaban than marry her. When he finally called it off before the battle, she went crazy, and attempted to retract all of the manly things she said he did.
He wondered what would have happened if Hermione had been his first. Sure, they loathed each other in school. But he liked to think had they been on the same side, they would've been a formidable pair. He couldn't blame any of the boys that followed her around. She was exotic to their tiny pureblood minds.
He had to stop himself for fear of another go with his hand. After finishing up, Draco collapsed into bed, Duke already snoring as his big feet moved with his dreams.
The next day Draco was up early, desperate to get a run in to let off some energy. He had to jerk off again in the morning and still felt incredibly anxious. He agreed to meet her at her flat after she demanded he let her pick a place for lunch. He practically sprinted seven kilometers along the manor path and felt no bloody different than when he first started.
His frustration didn't end when he walked into his closet. He didn't know where she was taking him and being dressed incorrectly would ruin his rather fragile mood. After much debate he settled on dark wash jeans and a navy sweater. She didn't want him to think he stole Snape's wardrobe. Poor bastard, he mused.
Checking his hair once more he grabbed his heavy peacoat and paperwork before disapparating from the manor. He arrived in the park outside her house and was surprised to see Hermione sitting on a nearby bench, her head deep in a small leather bound book. He cleared his throat and she startled, her eyes jumping up to meet his. She gave him a dazzling smile and he felt his heart jump in his chest, beating strongly into his ears.
She owned him.
"Why hello there," she greeted sweetly. She popped the book into her purple beaded bag and stood. Her curly hair was braided into a side ponytail and she wore a knit hat with a pink pompom, a long grey peacoat, and black boots. She was breathtaking even all bundled up.
"Hi," he managed to reply. He must've looked silly gaping at her because she laughed softly and glided over to him. When she reached him, she slowed and tucked her hands around his middle to bring him close. Draco inhaled her smell as he rested his head on top of hers. The pompom tickled his face but he could care less when she hugged him this intimately. He wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her smaller frame.
"You're so warm," she murmured into his coat. He chuckled and squeezed her tighter, content on standing in the park like this for the rest of the afternoon. She tilted her head up and brown eyes met grey. Draco noticed how pink her cheeks had become from the wind and cupped them in his hands, reverently. He softly brushed his lips to hers, enjoying the way her cold freckled nose fit perfectly with his snobby one.
Hermione sighed and pulled him closer and he had to mentally keep himself from devouring her right then and there. It became increasingly difficult when she slipped her tongue between his lips. Groaning, he held on for dear life as they kissed. He nipped her lower lip causing her to moan softly and run her hands straight to his arse. He laughed internally as she grabbed him and slowed down their battle until they managed to break apart.
She opened her eyes and stared brightly at him, her lips now rosy like her cheeks. Draco gifted her one more kiss before taking a tiny step back. The cold air did nothing to dull the ache he felt in his groin.
"I know this is only date two, but I bloody missed you," she exhaled. He grinned and squeezed her hand, enjoying the feel of her skin on his.
"I missed you too," he replied hoarsely. "Affection should never be scheduled per societal norms."
"I was hoping you'd say that," she smiled sweetly. "Did you have a good week?" She asked and walked them back to the apparating point.
"Well enough. Lots of reading," he sighed. "But interesting of course. And you?"
"Fucking awful," she rolled her eyes. "The Wizengamot is going to be the death of me, I swear. Those old bastards are trying to kill me with this damned ball."
"Nooo," he chided playfully. "They love their Minister."
"You mean they love having me do all of the work, giving a heartfelt speech, and meeting all of the foreign ministers. All while they drink too much bourbon on the Ministry's tab," she grumbled. They ducked into the secluded area and Hermione squeezed his hand tightly. "I'll complain more over lunch. Ready?"
He nodded and braced himself for the side along. After hurling through space, he found himself in a quiet alleyway made of cobblestone. Hermione glanced around anxiously, making sure they had not been seen. She grabbed his hand and began leading them towards the main road. They came to a large blue archway called Brixton Village.
"It's an indoor market filled with restaurants and cafes. I figured we could grab something and settle in," she said hopefully.
"Brilliant," he nodded approvingly. "What are you in the mood for?"
"Sweet plantains," she grinned wide-eyed. He laughed and led her over to a Caribbean restaurant playing soft island beats. She scanned the menu quickly and pointed aggressively at what he could barely make out as her sweet plantains. He started salivating as he read the menu over her shoulder. From how wonderful she felt pressed so closely to him or the food, he couldn't be sure.
"This all sounds delicious," he groaned. "Will you think me a prat if I asked you to order? I'll be here all night trying to choose."
"I'm literally going to order everything off the menu," she warned. "Find a seat?" He nodded graciously and headed towards an empty cluster of tables. Grabbing his wand from his arm holster, Draco subtly casted heating and Muffliato charms. Soon enough, Hermione was on her way back, and he swore she was levitating the food trays. She literally ordered one of everything off the menu. When she met the heating charm she smiled gratefully at him as she set the tray down. "I had such a chill, thanks a million. I hope you like what I chose."
He smiled and helped make room for her to sit, as the smell of the jerk chicken, curry, and plantains wrapped around him. As she got comfortable, he took it upon himself to assemble their plates, dutifully putting the plantains on hers. When he looked up, he caught her staring at him. Smirking, he went for one of her plantains.
"Don't you dare!" She cried out dramatically. Unable to resist, he nicked one off her plate and ate it in one bite. She huffed playfully but managed to commandeer the rest of the pile for herself. The food was absolutely delicious and they ate in comfortable silence, occasionally stealing glances across the table. Draco could barely breathe after he finished and was quite impressed they had managed to clear both trays of food.
She smiled contently at him, leaning back in her chair with heavy eyes. "I ran ten kilometers today and was so hungry. I swear I usually do not eat this much food," she apologized halfheartedly. Assessing his plate, she said, "you did a fine job I see."
"I was equally as hungry seeing as I ran this morning as well," he smirked confidently. "We will have to go for a run sometime."
"I don't think you'll be able to keep up," she said haughtily.
He rolled his eyes and stretched out, enjoying the way her eyes roamed over him approvingly. "My legs are a lot longer than yours, Granger. You will be the one left in the dust."
"We'll have to test that theory," she quipped. "How did you like the food?"
"What food?" he teased. She giggled and he swore it was one of the loveliest things he ever heard. It never got old. "It was perfect. Excellent choice."
"Good. Shall we get to the boring part?"
"If we must," he sighed. He reached into his jacket and pulled the packet of notes out and slid it over to her. She murmured a thanks and set to skimming his outline. He enjoyed simply watching her as she reviewed his work. Naturally, his thoughts imagined this meeting taking place elsewhere; her reviewing his work sprawled out on his bed, her bare breasts pressed into the mattress as she lay on her front.
"This is great, Draco," she commended, drawing him from his filthy mind. "I can't think of a better place to start. The committee will be very pleased. I will have my assistant work with human resources to begin staffing the lab so we can train them as soon as possible. I will ask Mary to help me order supplies."
"Have you been to Hogwarts yet?" he asked carefully. Every time he visited, Draco felt a sense of both nostalgia and dread. So many things had happened there, good and bad.
Hermione shook her head, "I figured we both can go see McGonagall. I want to make sure the students are comfortable and know where they are going for transformations and treatment."
"That's probably wise, especially for the first years. Merlin knows they get into trouble," he said looking at her purposefully.
"It's not my bloody fault a troll was in the loo!" She exclaimed.
Draco nodded and patted her hand empathetically. "You were nothing but trouble, Granger. It's amazing you didn't get expelled." She huffed and rolled her eyes. "I think as long as we are patient, the results will come," he stated. "I do hope we have everyone's support."
"There will always be someone who is dissatisfied. It took a long time for me to accept," she mused with a gleam in her eye. "But, with a clear purpose and zero fucks given for people's opinions, we are invincible."
Draco shook his head and gathered his paperwork. "I admire your spirit."
"I admire your arse," she winked. He froze, staring at her in complete shock. She burst out laughing, clutching her sides as he gaped for air. Draco cleared his throat and watched as her warm eyes full of mirth scanned him, as if to peel the layers of clothes off his body.
"Is that so, Granger?" Two could play this game.
"Mmhmm," she stared back bravely.
"You're very lucky I am a gentleman, Hermione" he drawled, accentuating her first name. "Although we both know tempting a sleeping dragon is ill-advised."
She had the decency to blush although the fire with which she looked at him only intensified. "What if I prefer the dragon to the gentleman?"
"Then that will be your choice. But be prepared for the consequences…"
"I think I'll take my chances," she murmured. Her hands met his across the table and pulled him forward, bringing him into a kiss that sent goosebumps across his skin. She bit his lip teasingly before pulling away slightly. A woman hadn't looked at him that way in a very, very long time. Unable to resist, he pulled her back into him once more and stole a quick kiss.
"I can spend all day snogging you or we can check out some of these shops? Maybe find a nice bookstore," he mumbled against her lips.
"Both sound enticing," she chuckled before sitting back. "Maybe shopping then snogging?"
Draco eyed her appreciatively and nodded. "Whatever the lady likes."
Hermione smiled and grabbed the trays, walking them to the rubbage bins before tucking herself into his side. "Shopping then snogging," she said determinedly leading him away.
They spent the rest of the afternoon stopping into a few of the shops, chatting idly as they walked the streets. Hermione was knowledgeable about everything. It was so refreshing for him, to finally be able to converse with someone on his level.
"How do you do it?" He asked, wrapping an arm over her shoulder. She looked up questioningly. "Everything. How can you compartmentalize all this information from two worlds. I already feel like my mind is going to explode and I know so much less," he sighed.
"I have no idea," she laughed. "Writing things down, wine, and hot baths."
"Oh?" he hummed, imagining her lying in a deep tub. He wondered how her skin felt from a good soak.
"It's my own way of meditating. My best work is done in the tub with a nice glass of merlot," she confessed. Draco laughed and kissed her forehead. Snuggling closer, she said "Do you want to come back to my flat? Taste some of this infamous wit-sharpening wine?"
She was staring at him through heavy lids and suddenly he felt the mood shift between them. He wasn't really sure what she was asking or if he could behave himself while alone with her. "Are you sure that's a good idea, Hermione?" he asked seriously.
"Do I ever say something I don't mean, Draco," she replied evenly. He shook his head and brought her close.
"Lead the way," he said quietly into her ear. With a small nod, she turned and disapparated them away.
Wow! Thank you to everyone who took the time to review my last update. Up to 50 favorites, 200 follows, and 40 reviews! It is really inspiring to receive such feedback. Many of us who are writing work full time jobs, have full time families, or go to school full time.
Our stories aren't perfect (if they were, we would be published authors!) and we really enjoy exploring and creating within the Harry Potter Universe. So thank you!
I like this chapter for a number of reasons: the science, the tension! Can't wait for you all to read what's next.
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MistAccio613