Chapter 6
A Gentle, Soft Smile
July 17th
Hermione woke to the sound of the wind rustling against her window pane. It was strong and the sky was a pale, dreary gray.
The sun however was visible from behind the thin mantel of cloud, giving the sky an ethereal, fascinating appearance.
Smiling, she rose and yawned. Crookshanks stretched himself out as he stood and settled himself atop her pillow. He always loved to steal her spot when she woke up.
Hermione gave him an affectionate pet and scratched him beneath his chin. "You're a good boy."
Crookshanks simply purred and leaned into her palm.
Hermione's heart swelled at the sight of his gentle and adorable form, curled into a ball.
However, she couldn't stare at him for long or she would be late for work. After a sigh, Hermione turned and went about her morning preparations, eager to get a head start so that she would have time to ease herself into her work shift.
Grabbing her habitual coffee and homemade scone, she planted a kiss on both her father and mother's cheeks before stepping outside with a bounce in her step. Last night had been wonderful. Perfect, even. Which was actually a rarity compared to what she was used to.
Despite the lackluster of the day, Hermione actually thought it was rather beautiful, in its own unique way.
She passed the park and sighed at its emptiness. Normally it was filled with the laughter and excited shouts of children. However, the majority of children were not yet awake and so the place was left looking like a ghost town in their absence.
She continued walking and passed the bookstore and then the café where she had went with Draco. The memory always made her snicker slightly.
Walking into the diner she smiled at Sarah who ran over to her eagerly. Hermione was embraced into a tight hug, which she returned with a mere pat to the girl's back.
"You wanna come over to my apartment later this afternoon? Natalie and I are gonna order some Chinese and look over some old yearbooks."
"Yeah sure," Hermione replied with a shrug, "What time should I come over?"
"Uhm," Sarah pondered for a moment, "how about three?"
Hermione nodded, "three it is."
Sarah grinned and then skipped over to her table section.
Hermione went into the back and clocked in before walking out to her first table.
However, the couple she saw sitting there nearly caused her to drop the pot of coffee she was carrying.
"Ah, miss Granger," the sleek, distinguished gentleman drawled.
"Mr. Malfoy," Hermione replied, eyes wide.
Narcissa eyed her skeptically, only slightly aware of who she was.
"How have you been?" Lucius continued with a faint trace of a smirk on his features.
"Uhm," Hermione stammered, "I've been alright."
It took her a moment to recover from the shock of seeing the Malfoy couple but, upon doing so, she was able to overcome the intimidation that had initially paralyzed her.
They had no wands; they were not a threat to her.
"Would you like some of our coffee this morning? It's complimentary."
He motioned towards his cup and then watched as she poured it with a steady hand.
Turning towards Narcissa she indicated her cup, "would you like some as well, Madame?"
Narcissa merely nodded and allowed Hermione to pour her some as well.
They both eyed her critically but Hermione ignored it and proceeded to ask them if they had decided on anything.
"Yes, I believe I will just have the French toast with cinnamon, cardamom, and brown sugar." Lucius replied flatly while Hermione held his gaze unwaveringly.
"Alright and," she turned to his wife, "for you?"
Narcissa folded her hands, "I will have the mushroom and pepper omelet. Hold the cheese, lightly sauté the mushrooms and only put a small amount of peppers within the folded egg and place the remainder on the side."
Hermione fought back the urge to sigh in exasperation. "It will be just a few moments. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
They both just dismissed her with a flick of their hands, and Hermione felt briefly as if they considered her one of their elves, a slave to their bidding. Oh how she wished she could prove them wrong.
Walking into the kitchen she exhaled loudly and shook her head. What infuriating people the Malfoy's were; the entire lot of them.
"Special instructions on that omelet," Hermione said to the grill cook, who nodded and rolled his eyes.
Hermione grinned before gathering the materials she needed for the French toast. She wondered in passing why Draco hadn't accompanied his parents. Perhaps he was just off wandering around somewhere, or maybe they just needed a break from him.
She snickered at this last thought. If she were Draco's mother she'd definitely need some time away.
After waiting the required number of minutes, Hermione walked back out and asked them if they were still doing alright. They both simply nodded without even looking in her direction.
As she was walking back another table in her section was seated and, grabbing the coffee pot she proceeded to wait on them as well.
Narcissa seemed to be eyeing her disapprovingly, as if appalled that she would dare wait on anyone else while they were seated there.
Hermione merely turned and grinned in their direction before stalking off into the kitchen and grabbing their food.
After inspecting the omelet and making sure all of Narcissa's specifications were right, as well as Lucius', Hermione hoisted the tray above her head and made her way back to their table.
Leaning down carefully, she placed each of their plates gently in front of them.
"You are positive they cooked this right?" Narcissa asked doubtfully.
Hermione knew where this was going and so she simply stared the woman in the eye and nodded. "I am absolutely certain, Mrs. Malfoy that your omelet was made according to your instruction."
Narcissa's eyes narrowed and she flicked her hand to signify that Hermione was dismissed.
Hermione fought back the urge to roll her eyes, "I will come back in a few minutes and ask how everything tastes."
Turning she walked over to her other table and took their order, easily conversing with the man and his son, who seemed to be having the time of his life.
She waited several minutes before walking back out to the Malfoy's table and eying Narcissa questioningly.
"So how is everything, Madame?"
Narcissa said nothing, simply chewed her food and refused to meet Hermione's gaze.
Lucius, however, offered a response.
"The bread itself is of fine quality but the spices could be improved upon."
Hermione nodded and forced a smile, "of course, sir, I will let my manger know right away and I am sure he will switch suppliers as soon as he is notified."
Lucius raised an eyebrow, "is that sarcasm I detect in your voice, Miss Granger?"
Hermione smiled sweetly, "no, sir."
Lucius smirked, "Do you treat all of your customers with such indifference?"
Hermione shook her head and honestly replied, "No. I am always pleasant and polite."
"Indeed," Lucius replied.
Narcissa shoved her plate away, "there are too many peppers in this omelet, I wanted the majority on the side. I thought I was clear on that."
Hermione stared down at her for a few moments before turning to walk away.
"Miss Granger," Lucius said silkily.
Hermione looked back and saw him appraising her, his eyes searching hers for a moment.
"Yes, sir?"
He was silent for several moments before looking away, "never mind."
Confused and a bit unnerved, Hermione walked into the kitchen and proceeded to print out their check.
"Table giving you trouble?" Ted asked, concerned. "I will go out there and talk to them if you want me to."
Hermione shook her head, "no, it's alright. I know who they are."
He shrugged, "just let me know."
Hermione smiled, "thank you."
As she made her way over to the distinguished pair, Hermione handed Lucius his bill and then asked if they would like to take any of the leftovers home.
They both seemed to scoff at that notion and Hermione gazed down at them with disdain. Is this how Draco was going to turn out? They were ten times as unbearable as their son.
"Miss Granger," Lucius again called out as she started walking away.
She turned and he motioned for her to come forward. Slightly hesitant, Hermione stepped over to him as he stood from his seat.
Narcissa donned her jacket and still refused to meet her gaze.
Hermione swallowed and looked up at the man whose hate for her kind was as strong as her own abhorrence for the dark lord.
He handed her a large sum of money and then tilted his head. "Is this not the social custom in your world?"
Hermione looked down at the generous tip within her palm with furrowed brows. She had not in a million years expected the Malfoy's to tip her for waiting on them.
She thought them the type of people who just expected those beneath them to answer to their beck and call, without reward. They were slaveholders, after all.
Swallowing she looked up to see his face, expressionless and distant.
"Thank you," she muttered with widened eyes.
Lucius simply walked past her and then escorted his wife out the door, not bothering to look back and offer a response.
So many strange situations were presenting themselves to her that it was beginning to overpower her mind. What had all that been about?
Hermione pocketed the money and then cleaned off their table. They held no respect for her and she had treated them with only forced civility. Had Lucius somehow sensed how difficult it had been for her to stand in his presence and act entirely nonchalant despite her own revulsion toward him?
Did Lucius Malfoy actually uphold an honor code of some sort? Vague though it was?
The Malfoy's were surprising her more and more every day.
Narcissa, however, was an entirely distant story. Hermione took an instant dislike to that woman the moment she caught her critical eye.
The rest of the day progressed normally and at noon Ted informed her that she was free to go.
Hermione smiled as she walked out, the feeling of freedom wafting over her along with the wind, which had gained velocity since earlier that morning.
As she strolled down the sidewalk her mind recounted the encounter with Lucius and his wife. She could not get over how strange the entire ordeal was. Perhaps they had always put on an act at home, in order to appease the dark lord.
Or were they putting on an act for the Muggles, in order to gain their trust?
Hermione laughed at herself. Lord if she knew.
As she was walking past the park, she observed that it was still silent, save for the chirping of birds and the rustle of the leaves within the wind.
There were still a few hours to go before the shrill sound of laughter would fill its space.
Hermione smiled and looked away before promptly returning her gaze to the swing set, where she spotted a familiar figure, swaying slowly.
She wondered why he would be sitting there of all places, before remembering that she always seemed to find him in the places he least belonged.
Debating whether to just continue walking home or go over and say something to him, Hermione bit her lip and wrung her hands in her pockets.
Then, with a smirk, she quickly made up her mind as an idea came to her.
Sauntering over to him as quietly as possible, Hermione held her breath until she was standing directly behind him.
Fighting a smile, she bent down real low and said in the most intimidating voice she could muster, "Do you usually sit around in parks by yourself?"
Draco Malfoy jerked his head around, nearly falling off the swing as he did so.
Hermione laughed heartily and crossed her arms. "Not so pleasant is it?"
"Granger!" Draco growled his eyes narrowing, "What is wrong with you?"
Hermione shrugged, "Just asserting my revenge. Though I daresay you startled me far worse than I did you."
Draco shook his head before turning and continuing to rock back and forth on the swing, his bare feet digging into the sand beneath him.
Hermione walked around to stand in front of him, her arms still crossed.
"So what are you doing out here anyway?"
Draco shrugged but remained silent, his eyes fixed on his feet.
"Your parents came into the restaurant where I work, you know."
Draco looked up in surprise, "You're a waitress?"
Hermione nodded, "yeah, figured it'd be a good way to spend my time."
Draco rolled his eyes, "only you would consider work to be a good way to spend your time."
Shrugging, Hermione replied, "So I'm productive."
"Perhaps a little too productive, "he countered.
Hermione sighed and then sat on the adjacent swing, "why weren't you with them?"
Draco seemed slightly annoyed by her questioning but answered all the same. "I had already eaten breakfast. I didn't feel like going out." He suddenly smirked, "wish I knew you worked there though. I would have tried to make things as difficult as possible for you."
Hermione glared, "oh your parents made things plenty difficult all on their own."
Draco grinned, "Well of course they did."
Hermione wondered whether or not she should ask him about the tip money before promptly deciding against it. That conversation was bound for disaster.
"You do anything interesting this weekend, Granger? Other than pine for the companionship of those two blokes?"
Hermione released a heavy exhale before replying. "Actually, yes. I went to a club with some friends and ran into a rather pompous, arrogant, gent." She smiled in satisfaction at Draco's glare before continuing. "And on Sunday I went out with my parents and saw the theatrical production of Beauty and the Beast."
Draco grinned, "I went to that too."
The startled expression on Hermione's face only served to widen Draco's smile.
"You did?"
He nodded, "We had a reserved box."
"Of course you did" She replied, though still perplexed. "It's kind of strange that you'd actually go to that play though."
"I love the story," he stated.
Hermione suddenly broke into laughter. "You? You love that story?"
"What?"
Hermione settled herself before replying. "It's all about the beauty within a person, and about not judging anyone by anything external or prejudiced. I think that you of all people understand that concept the least."
Draco remained silent as he pondered her answer before finally shrugging. "That doesn't mean I can't appreciate the romanticized view of things."
"Lord," Hermione rolled her eyes, "is there any depth to you at all?"
Draco looked up at her before smirking, "maybe."
Shaking her head, Hermione bit her lip and looked down at her shoes, which were being covered by sand.
A sudden realization dawned on her. She had seen Draco there. A brief flash within her peripheral as they walked into the lobby had caught her attention. It had been him.
"So why is it you tend to turn up wherever I go?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.
Draco blinked several times. "What'd you mean?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes, "you know what I mean."
Draco sighed, "Because, honestly," he turned his head to meet her gaze, "I think we have the same interests, Granger."
His response surprised her, to say the least. "Really?"
Nodding, Draco turned back to the sand at his feet. "We're both intellectual, and appreciate the classics of literature and art, while also longing and striving for the opportunity to just release all thought and enjoy rare moments of unique excitement."
Hermione's mouth parted, "Am I really hearing these words from you?"
Draco shrugged, "what? It's just fact, nothing more."
He was right, she reasoned. They were similar. On some level.
Looking up to the strangely lit sky, Hermione breathed in the fresh scent of the air and closed her eyes as the powerful wind embraced her.
"Feels wonderful out here doesn't it?" Draco asked, watching her reaction to the weather.
Hermione looked down at him and smiled, "sure does."
She suddenly tilted her head to the side as she watched his eyes flicker from her face to his hands.
"You miss being home?"
Draco looked up at her in surprise, "why do you want to know?"
Hermione shrugged, "no particular reason."
After observing her briefly he slowly responded, "of course I do. You think I actually like being placed somewhere as foul as this?"
Shaking her head, Hermione replied. "I dunno, Draco. You do seem content here." She looked down at him, "almost seems as if you feel more secure here; safe from the reach of the dark lord."
Draco shook his head, "we're never completely out of his reach."
Hermione swallowed but said nothing.
Draco exhaled softly, "everything is so much different than it used to be. I just wish we could go back to the days of our 1st and 2nd years, you know? Before things began to turn grim and life-threatening."
Hermione chuckled gently, "for you those years were probably grand but Voldemort was there during our first year, and in our second year the chamber of secrets was opened."
Sighing, Draco began to sway faster on his swing. "yeah, that's true."
They sat in silence for several moments, both looking down at their feet, and rocking easily on the swings. A brief sensation of peace and tranquility settled over their minds, offering a welcome feeling of reprieve.
The emptiness surrounding them was surprising pleasant, and as silence overtook the expanse that separated them, they simply reveled in the cool breeze coursing through the air, and the delightful scent of nature, which was filled with lingering traces of the morning moisture.
Hermione let her eyes close as she slipped off her shoes and dug them into the warm sand. Gripping the chains on the swing she began to move back and forth more rapidly.
It was odd how light she felt at the moment, beside a boy whom she had never met eye to eye with.
She hadn't felt so weightless in as long as she could remember.
It had been a long time since she had actually just done nothing; allowing the moments to pass her by in a slow, unhurried rhythm.
"Granger," Draco suddenly called out.
Hermione looked down at him and saw that he was sitting completely still, just gazing up at her with his head tilted to one side.
"Hmm?" she answered.
He smirked softly, "I've never seen you so complacent."
Hermione shrugged, "yeah, well honestly, we haven't really spent all that much time in one another's presence."
"That may be true," Draco countered, "but I am fairly good at reading other people and you strike me as the sort that overly exhorts herself and spends a lot of time contemplating and worrying over even the most trivial of matters. You stress over almost everything and you punish yourself severely in areas of fault."
Hermione's mouth parted slowly as she stopped swinging. "What makes you think I'm like that?"
He was silent for several moments, and seemed to debate whether or not to reveal what he was about to say next.
Returning his gaze to her face he smiled faintly, "because I'm the same way."
Hermione just stared at him for several breaths, before looking away and up at the sky.
"The more I learn about you, Draco, the stranger it becomes."
Draco just rolled his eyes, "why is that?"
Hermione shrugged, "because, at Hogwarts you were always the rude, jealous, insensitive boy who did nothing but get on my nerves most of the time. I never bothered to try and figure you out. You were just a blank canvas that I pretty much ignored or didn't notice."
Draco glared, "well, in all fairness, you were nothing but a snobby, stuck-up know-it-all who was determined to know more than anyone else in class. You had both a serious attitude and an ego problem. Do you have any idea how annoying you were? Raising your hand the second any questions were asked?"
Hermione crossed her arms, "it's not my fault that I was the only one who ever knew the answers to anything."
"Look, Granger," Draco replied shaking his head, "just because you were always the first to answer does not mean you were the only one who knew anything."
Hermione's lips pursed as she narrowed her eyes impossibly lower. "How do you know?"
Draco smirked, "because, I, for one, pretty much knew all of the answers as well. You seem to forget that you and I hold the top marks in the school."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "well then why don't you participate more in class? If it bothers you so much?"
"Because, Granger, I don't actually like to be thought of as a know-it-all. Everyone already knows that you're top of your class. When the professors ask questions, they're actually trying to test those individuals who aren't doing so well."
"But," Hermione furrowed her brows, "they always ask if anyone knows the answer, and so I take that to mean that anyone can answer."
"Why would you answer though, Granger, if not to show off in some way? Why do you endlessly prove a fact that everyone has already acknowledged?"
Hermione was silent as she pondered what he was saying.
"Do you think you still deserve recognition?"
Hermione bit her lip and looked away, thinking hard.
Draco tilted his head to one side, "hmm?"
Hermione looked up at him and smiled sardonically, "because maybe I enjoy it. Maybe I enjoy answering questions. I love to be recognized for all the hard work that I do. I study all of the time, probably ten times more than everyone else. I even have to do some of Harry and Ron's homework on top of all the work that I have to do. I mean, Merlin, I even accepted a time turner from McGonagall during our 3rd year so that I could take on extra classes. I love studying, I love learning things, even though it stresses the hell out of me, I enjoy it. And I enjoy showing off what I know because I believe I've earned the right to do so."
Draco blinked and gazed at her speechlessly, for once having to pause and think of a reply.
Hermione looked away, biting her lip again.
"Well," he began, "I do in fact know how you feel. Somewhat anyway."
"No you don't," she denied shaking her head.
"I do though," he continued. "When I'm not training for Quidditch I'm usually always studying. I don't have a whole lot of free time. That is another similarity between us. We are incessantly ambitious, granted in different ways, but still equally as so. It may also surprise you to learn that I actually respect you for that trait. It's Slytherin, and if you weren't Muggle-born I believe that you would've had a fair shot at being placed in our house."
Hermione couldn't help the smile that spread across her face at what he'd just admitted to her.
"I actually wanted to be placed in either Slytherin or Ravenclaw."
Draco nodded, "yeah, I still don't understand why you were placed in Gryffindor, of all places. You're aspirations are so much higher than that."
Hermione glared, "hey now, don't go on insulting my house. I do appreciate it, mind you."
Draco shook his head, "I can't help it, Granger, I cannot stand that house."
Hermione sighed, "you're only saying that because Harry was placed there."
"Yes, that is a major part of it, but it's also because they're a bunch of lazy, dramatic sods who have nothing better to do than run around and cause mischief. Don't you dare deny it either."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh, "yeah, I know."
"Another thing," Draco said, recalling something else she had said. "Why in Merlin's name do you do Potter and Weasely's homework?"
Hermione shrugged, "because they struggle with it sometimes."
Draco scoffed at that, "c'mon, Granger, it's because they're lazy. We all struggle every now and then, but that's how we learn. They will never be able to learn for themselves if you do it for them all the time. Do you appreciate being used?"
Hermione bit her lip, "well, it's nice to feel needed."
Draco shrugged, "ah, but there's a difference between people needing you and people taking advantage of you.
Hermione felt a slight ache in her chest as she heard this. "They care about me, Draco, and I like to help them out."
He shook his head, "I'm sure they do but, can you honestly say that you haven't felt the slightest bit used by them?"
Hermione slowly nodded, "well yes but, Harry has so much to deal with concerning the Dark Lord that he hardly has time for anything else. I know you despise him but, he's actually a very selfless person. He cares deeply for the well being of others. Do you have any idea of the sacrifices he's made?"
"Like what?"
"Well," she searched her mind for a safe example. There was no way she could tell him that Harry was planning to give up an entire year of his education for the sake of the Wizarding World. He was going to walk away from all his friends and the girl he loved in order to save those whose lives hung in the balance.
"He has always been the one to face off the Dark Lord, and he always does so despite his fear of death. He knows that if he cannot find a way to rid the world of He-who-must-not-be-named once and for all that only death and destruction will result."
Draco swallowed and looked down at his hands before shrugging, "okay so, that explains Harry. What about Ron?"
'Ron,' Hermione thought, her heart jumping slightly, 'what about Ron?'
"I don't know," she replied, honestly not knowing what to say in his defense.
Draco just looked at her with a knowing smile on his face. "He takes advantage of you."
This prospect caused the ache to return, and the flutter to subside. Did Ron really take advantage of her? The romantic side of her being fought against it, but her mind had to wonder.
"Can we not talk about this please?" she pleaded.
Draco smirked, "hit a nerve, did I?"
Hermione glared, "quite possibly, and I would be wary if I were you considering you're wandless."
Draco's mouth snapped shut, "it'd be nice if you could stop pointing that out."
Hermione shrugged, "it'd be nice if you would switch to a different topic."
They both remained silent for a little while before Draco suddenly seemed to recall something else she head revealed. "So, McGonagall gave you a time turner? Is that how Buckbeak got away? Is that how Sirius Black escaped?"
'Lord,' she thought, 'he's cleverer than I thought.'
Hermione just stared at him wordlessly before obstinately looking away. "I don't know, maybe."
Draco nodded, "yep, thought so."
Hermione just grinned and released a heavy exhale. "It seems like forever ago."
"I know what you mean," he agreed.
Hermione looked down at her hands and shook her head sadly, "I miss Dumbledore."
Glancing up to see Draco's reaction she saw that he had averted his gaze to the ground, a guilty expression on his features.
It had technically been his fault, but it had not been by his hand. She understood that he had not fully realized what he had been getting himself into.
She had never known how alone Draco Malfoy actually was.
"You made the right choice, in the end." She consoled with a warm smile.
Draco looked up at her in surprise, "you don't blame me for what happened?"
Hermione shook her head, "no."
Slowly, a smile spread across his face. A gentle, soft smile; the first Hermione had ever seen.
He had the slightest traces of a pair of dimples at the corners of his cheeks, and the area around his eyes creased in a way that reminded her of her father.
Her mouth parted. How kind it looked. How strange it was on the face of Draco Malfoy. It didn't belong there.
But it was. It was there and it was directed at her.
"Thank you," he stated sincerely.
Hermione struggled for a response, though it was difficult. Her brain was over-encumbered by many confused thoughts.
She now saw how strongly their beloved Headmaster's death had tortured him and, it made her feel sorry for the boy who had at one time so despised her.
"You're welcome, Draco."
As soon as the words escaped her, she felt a vibration in her pocket and, eyes widening she pulled out her cell phone and saw that Sara was trying to call her.
"Oh Merlin," she breathed looking up at him. "I completely lost track of time."
"What are you talking about?" he asked, furrowing his brows and eying the device in her hands curiously.
"I was supposed to hang out with a girl from work, and I didn't realize how late it had gotten."
Draco laughed, "this seems to happen a lot."
Hermione glared, "well whatever, you always distract me."
His eyes widened and he grinned, "Oh do I?"
Hermione pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes further, "stop it."
He laughed at her frustration. "See you around, Granger."
Hermione shook her head but forced a smile, "You too, Draco."
She picked up her bag and slipped her shoes on before hurriedly walking away, a smile etched onto her face.
"YOU FEEL LIKE ELABORATING ON THAT COMMENT YOU MADE IN THE CAFÉ YET?" Draco hollered as she reached the sidewalk.
"NOPE!" she shouted back, shaking her head.
As she heard his laugh, she rolled her eyes.
"Git."