Hermione woke up to the sound of rain outside and was disoriented when she opened her eyes to find herself on the leather couch in the common room covered in a blanket. She was even more shocked to notice Draco still sleeping at the other end of the couch. He was curled up in a ball, still wearing his black trousers and button-down white shirt but it was all crumpled up. His white blonde hair was a mess and his face was peaceful. She stared at him sleeping for a moment, enthralled by his beauty and the innocence of his expression. She was used to seeing the cunning on his face, the illustration of his control with his taunting eyes and iconic smirk. Though, she had recently come to understand those taunting eyes and smirk as playful and not cruel like before.
Draco Malfoy was an enigma, she couldn't quite understand his motivation. Their evening last night had been really great, though she still didn't have clarification on whether it was a date. But he had said some things that made her think he was interested in her.
How odd.
Yes, Voldemort had lost. Yes, things were rebuilding in Wizarding Society after so much prejudice. But, Pureblood ideals and customs still existed. She couldn't picture this thing continuing any farther, especially given Draco's parents. Lucius was in Azkaban, she doubted he would be alright with his only son dating a muggle-born regardless of his life-sentence.
Although, it was still surprising what Draco had told her about Narcissa. His mother wanted to meet her. Officially. Not like last time when she was being tortured in front of them. Godric, how was any of this supposed to work?
She took a deep breath and tried to steady the trembling in her limbs, the after-affects of the Cruciatus curse still felt, especially when her thoughts went there.
She wasn't even sure how she had managed to forgive Draco. It felt like all of this had happened so fast between them. They had wiped the slate clean once he agreed to help her, but the outside circumstances could never be fully avoided. What was he thinking? Did he just want a fling before he married some pureblood wife his family picked for him?
Maybe she was just some sort of experiment to him.
She didn't think of it as a cruel experiment. No, she no longer thought of him as cruel just for the sake of it. He had proved that to her. But he couldn't possibly think this was going to go somewhere? Right?
Hermione's head was hurting trying to figure out his intentions. He seemed genuine. He was vulnerable with her. Maybe he didn't have any expectations and it was all just natural?
Even more odd, was the idea of a Slytherin without some kind of expectation or cunning plan.
Hermione stood up and folded the blanket over the back of the couch. Just then, Draco's eyes flew open, silver eyes startled out of sleep.
"Good Morning," Hermione smiled sheepishly at him. "It looks like we both actually slept for once."
Draco rubbed at his eyes and moved to stretch out his body. "I didn't mean to fall asleep out here." He admitted. "Did you sleep okay?"
"Yes, I was quite comfortable actually. Thank you for the blanket." Hermione responded.
"You're welcome. I wasn't sure whether to move you to your room or not. You looked so peaceful so I left you there." Draco shrugged but his gaze was intense.
"I'm glad you didn't." Hermione replied, getting restless just standing there. "I should probably go feed Crookshanks." She made a motion towards the stairs to her room.
"Crookshanks?" Draco asked, confusion on his face.
"My cat. He's half-Kneazle. He's probably worried about me since I never came to bed last night." Hermione admitted.
"You have a cat?" Draco asked, surprise in his eyes.
"Yes, I got him in Year 3. I can introduce you two if you want. I'm going to run to my room and then meet Ginny for breakfast. You're welcome to join."
Draco looked at her funny, slight confusion on his face. "I'll come meet Crookshanks. I don't think the Weaslette will want me at breakfast. Plus it's too early to deal with her attitude."
Hermione rolled her eyes but his response wasn't unexpected. "Okay, come on then."
They took the stairs up to her room. They entered and Crookshanks walked up to her and weaved around her legs. She bent down to pet him, muttering "Sorry I was gone, I fell asleep in the common room."
Crookshanks stopped in front of Draco and looked up at him suspiciously, as if knowing he was the culprit for her absence. Crookshanks seemed to deem his intentions alright because he nuzzled against Draco's ankle.
Draco bent down to scratch Crookshank behind the ears. "Hi" he smirked at the cat. He looked over at Hermione and raised his eyebrow. "He's huge."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I've heard that one before. He's a good companion." She smiled softly and pet Crookshanks, her hand grazing Dracos.
They both froze a bit at the contact.
"Well, I should get dressed. I'll see you later?" Hermione moved towards her closet.
She watched as Draco quickly surveyed the room and then caught her eye. "Sure. Have a good day, Hermione." He smirked at her and left the room.
She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding after he left. He didn't always use her given name. She found it all the more intimate when he did. She closed the door. Crookshanks was staring at her intently.
"Don't look at me like that." She huffed to him and went to shower and change.
As Hermione entered the Great Hall, the grey sky cloudy above, she saw Clare Heartly and gave her a wave and a smile. She spotted Ginny and sat down beside her.
"You're in a good mood this morning." Ginny noted as Hermione sat down beside her.
"Why do you say that?" Hermione asked, grabbing some toast.
"Waving to other students. Looking like you've actually slept for once." Ginny quirked her eyebrows.
"Oh. Well I did sleep for once. I fell asleep on the couch in the common room." Hermione admitted, prepping some coffee into a mug.
"And that resulted in a good sleep?" Ginny looked intrigued at her and Hermione realized she was going to have to come clean about spending time with Draco late into the evening.
She let out a defeated huff and said, "Well if you must know, Draco and I both fell asleep on the couch in the common room. We were studying kind of late. Maybe the company helped keep the nightmares away. I don't know." She shrugged, trying to look unconcerned.
Ginny just looked at her unblinking. "Let me get this straight, you and Draco both fell asleep together?" She emphasized the first name basis. "I'm going to need more details than that." Ginny smirked.
"I'm not sure why. We're friends and you already knew that." Hermione rolled her eyes and took a sip of her coffee.
"You guys are getting close really fast though, don't you think? I mean enough that you were both comfortable enough to fall asleep and share a couch." Ginny inquired, nudging her.
"I don't know what you mean Ginny. It's not like Harry and I haven't fallen asleep on a couch together. You're acting like this is revolutionary."
"Stop being daft, Hermione. It is revolutionary. It's Malfoy. You both let your guard down enough to sleep on the same couch. And sleep well at that."
"Okay, so maybe we have gotten close pretty fast. It's not like the idea hasn't also crossed my mind." Hermione huffed defensively. "I thought you had accepted this friendship already."
"I have. I'm giving you grief because I don't think this is just a friendship." Ginny smirked at her.
Hermione froze. So maybe she wasn't the only one picking up on the confusing actions of Draco Malfoy.
"Okay, Gin. You might be onto something." Hermione looked at her sheepishly, not sure how to describe her previous evening. "I think we may have been on a date last night?" The statement came out high pitched and squeaky.
Ginny's mouth dropped open. "WHAT?" Ginny smacked her arm. "Hermione Jean Granger, were you ever going to actually TELL me if I hadn't probed it out of you?!"
Hermione's head whipped around to make sure no one was listening to their conversation. She quickly cast a non-verbal muffliato.
Hermione hummed. "Probably. I couldn't figure out if it was a date or not. Draco came back from the Manor and said he told his mother about me. About our friendship. And she's apparently invited me over to formally meet. Then he asked what I was doing for dinner and we went to a muggle Italian restaurant but it was quite a nice restaurant."
Ginny was staring at her in shock but then rolled her eyes with a smirk. "That was very clearly a date. It couldn't have been more clear, Hermione! And did you say muggle London?"
Hermione suddenly felt like she'd been plunged into cold water with Ginny's confirmation. What was she supposed to do if it was a date? This was entirely uncharted waters with Draco Malfoy.
"Yes. But.. it can't be - why would he want to date me? It just doesn't make any sense." Hermione started picking at her cuticles.
"I don't blame you for being in denial, Hermione. This is very unexpected. I mean it's Malfoy. But then again, it was unexpected when you even began a truce that turned into a friendship." Ginny shrugged.
Hermione nodded. But she couldn't get it out of her head that this was still very different from a truce and friendship. The first two meant he could look beyond her blood status and see her as her. It was one thing for Draco to see her as someone favourable to study and spend time with. It was another thing to imagine Draco Malfoy wanting more with her. A date was an intention and an interest. A potential attraction to the things that make her her.
"Do you think you would ever step foot in the Manor again? I mean, it's one thing for Draco to be into you. But meeting Narcissa at the Manor is a different story." Ginny looked at her with some concern.
Hermione took a deep breath. She had been so taken aback when Draco mentioned it yesterday but the night just kept getting more unexpected from there. She hadn't even had time to consider it. She couldn't lie to herself that any mention of the Manor still made her blood run cold and her heart beat a bit faster.
"I'm not sure, Gin. I didn't expect any of this. I mean if Draco has changed his beliefs, maybe Narcissa has too? I'm not sure why she would invite me otherwise." Hermione pondered.
"Did Draco say anything about it?" Ginny asked.
"He did say it was up to me, that it's an open invitation and if I don't want to ever go to the Manor again, that's alright." Hermione sighed.
"That was actually quite considerate of him." Ginny looked contemplative. "Wow. I can't believe this all happened!" Ginny hit Hermione lightly on the arm again. "You have to admit he's fit and handsome. Even if he can be a git."
Hermione blushed and shrieked, "Ginny!"
"What? Hermione, honestly, you do have a tendency to be oblivious about men. You didn't even know Viktor Krum was interested in you until during the Yule Ball. He was quite literally following you around for weeks."
Hermione rolled her eyes, the corner of her mouth lifting into a slight smile. "Fine. Yes, I'm oblivious and yes, he's attractive. But what do I do Gin? About all this?" She furrowed her brow.
"I think maybe stop overthinking and just go with it? I know that's probably the opposite of what you want to hear." Ginny smirked at her.
Hermione sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "I mean, I have been trying to do this new thing where I just go with it. I may have a little problem with letting go of control."
Ginny laughed. "Does that mean you'll go out with me again this weekend?" Ginny grabbed her arm. "I want to go back to the Fantasy and visit Luna. Also it's masquerade themed. You should bring Draco." Ginny wiggled her eye brows.
"Sure. I'm also meeting Harry on Saturday for lunch. I'll come out with you, is Harry coming out?" Hermione asked.
"No, it's girls night. But, I'll make an exception for Draco since Luna will be there so I won't be third wheeling."
"There's no third wheeling, Ginny. Draco and I are just friends. Draco probably won't come anyways so girls night sounds fun. I don't even have to invite him…"
"No! You're inviting him. And he will come. The matter is final." Ginny smirked at her.
Hermione shook her head, rolling her eyes with a soft smirk. "We'll see."
"Do you want to study together today? I could use your help with looking over my ancient runes essay." Ginny inquired
"Sure. Library?" Ginny nodded. They both finished breakfast.
"I just need to stop at my quarters, do you mind?"
"I have my books already but I'll come with you."
They headed up to the head girl and boy quarters, the hallways bustling with younger students on their way to morning classes.
On the way up, Ginny had to stop a group of 4th year Gryffindor's pulling a prank on two first year Hufflepuff's.
"I can't imagine how hard it must have been to be head girl while the twins were at Hogwart's." Ginny said, with grief shimmering in her eyes but amusement on her face.
Hermione laughed and squeezed Ginny's hand. "They had their work cut out for them, that's for sure."
They finally made it to the hallway around the corner from the Prefect's bathroom. The entrance to Head Boy and Girl quarters was hidden behind a portrait of a Poodle in wizard's robes.
"Carrot Cake." Ginny muttered the password and the portrait swung open.
They stepped through the door to find Jackson, Head Boy, reading in a burgundy wingback chair by the fireplace. The common room was similar to the eight-year common room but the walls were cream and the decor accents a mix of all the Hogwarts house colours. A green and blue plaid couch, two burgundy wingback chairs, a muted-yellow fireplace. It wasn't as sophisticated as the common room Hermione and Draco shared, but there was a Hogwarts charm to the Head and Boy quarters.
"Hey, Hermione and I are just grabbing my books to study in the library." Ginny explained as Jackson looked up from his reading.
Ginny ran into her room and Jackson stood up from the chair and walked over to Hermione.
"We haven't officially met yet, I'm Jackson." Jackson held out his hand to shake Hermione's. Jackson stood towering over Hermione, tall and broad. His brown skin, dark curly hair and deep brown eyes were charming.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Hermione." She smiled up at him.
"I know who you are. How could I not?" He raised his eyebrows at her with a smile. "But also, Ginny talks a lot about you."
Hermione smiled, "Yeah, same for you. Congratulations on Head Boy."
"Thanks. Yeah, I was a Prefect last year and it meant a lot, especially with everything going on, to be there for the students. Congratulations on your Order of Merlin."
"Oh, uh, thanks." Hermione nervously ran her fingers through her hair. It always felt a bit awkward when people brought up an accomplishment she was proud of but one that had so much pain tied to it from the war.
"I actually thought maybe you would end up being Head Girl. With your reputation and ambition." Jackson looked at her curiously.
"Maybe in another life, I would have loved to. Ginny is great at it though. I'm so proud of her." Hermione tried to smile, but could feel annoyance simmering. What was Jackson's deal? She couldn't read him. Stupid Slytherin's and their hard-to-read motivations.
"Yes, I am glad to be working with her."
Ginny exited her room with her books and walked over to them. "Hey, I'm ready to go now." She smiled.
"Oh, I meant to ask you. Hermione, I'm having some people over in our quarters for my birthday tomorrow evening. Ginny's okay with us hosting it here. You're invited. It's top secret of course. Will you come?" Jackson looked a bit apprehensive.
"You're having a party as Head Boy and Girl?" Hermione looked at them suspiciously.
Ginny responded, "Yes. What better way to monitor a party then to have it ourselves?" She smirked. "It's Jackson's birthday and I've agreed to be on sober duty. It won't be too many people. You and Draco can both come"
Jackson's head whipped over to Ginny's. "Draco Malfoy?" Confusion playing on his face.
"Yes. Hermione and Draco are the only 8th years. We should include them both, they know the rules and can help keep things under control." Ginny argued.
Jackson didn't look convinced but didn't argue. "So I'll see you tomorrow then?"
Hermione and Ginny made eye-contact. It was clear that Hermione wasn't going to be able to get out of this social commitment. Especially to help Ginny keep a very illicit party under control. Hermione nodded, "Yes, I'll be here."
Hermione and Ginny left the quarters and headed down to the library.
Draco grabbed a coffee, left the common room and exited through the castle for a walk by the lake. The hallways were empty still as classes had not yet begun.
As he got outside he realized it was raining. He decided to just walk out into the rain without a charm to keep him dry.
The water was cold and the air brisk. The drops were invigorating and woke him up fully.
Draco realized last night was the longest he had slept consistently in years. No nightmares. He hadn't woken up groggy and still in a sleep state in so long because he never slept anymore.
It had felt like a dream going up to see Hermione's room and meeting her cat. Crookshanks. Stupid name. Huge fucking cat. Leave it to Granger to have the most ridiculous thing as her pet.
Draco reached the lake and sat down under the tree, somewhat covered by the rain. His shirt was already quite wet underneath his robe. He sipped his coffee and admired the view. Grey stormy skies reflected back in the lake, making the sky feel like one big grey fog. The rain had a way of making the scene even more beautiful with the way the droplets hit the water of the lake, the only thing separating lake and sky.
Draco had never been one to overthink his relationships with women. He had always acted on instinct, his own feelings and motivations at the forefront. He had never wondered or cared what the women he had been with thought. Pansy would do whatever he wanted and he had never cared if something he said hurt her. He couldn't seem to shake her and didn't really want her around. Most of the time she was nosy and imposing.
But with Granger, he had to tread lightly. They had no baseline and he didn't want to go back to being strangers. He couldn't take her for granted. And he was terrified of hurting her. Watching her be tortured in front of him was something he would never forget.
And so he had to overthink.
Should he have kissed her? Or was he already being too forward?
Merlin.
He took out his book and read for a few hours to clear his mind of thoughts of her.
He headed back to the common room. The rain hadn't stopped and he was soaking wet again by the time he got back to the castle. He liked the chill deep in his bones so he left himself wet, leaving water droplets through the castle. It would likely piss off Filch, which made it all the more better.
He made it to the black ornate door, muttered "Educere" and the door swung open. He stepped inside to see Hermione checking the potion.
She looked up as he entered, confusion and concern colouring her features. He admired the crease in her brow. Her face so expressionate, it was always intriguing to him.
"Hey, you're all wet." She walked over to him.
"I like the rain. Went for a walk." He shrugged, smiling at her.
She stopped right in front of him and looked up at him with intrigue. He wanted to get her wet, so he pulled her to his chest.
"Ahh, you're getting me all wet!" She shrieked. Droplets were falling from his face onto her face, dripping down their bodies.
Hermione looked up at him and it stole his breath, her brown eyes wide and beautiful. He had the urge to kiss her and decided not to question it. He leaned into her, she leaned upwards. Their lips met and electricity ran down his spine. A few seconds of her lips and both of them were pressing their bodies together. He lifted her up, she wrapped her legs around him and he kissed her into the nearest wall. He could feel himself getting hard, they broke apart, lungs heaving.
They stared at each other for a few moments, breathing heavily. Then she kissed him, and he lost control again.
He broke apart again, sliding her down the wall back onto her feet and taking a step back. If he didn't stop now, he was going to fuck her right then and there into the wall.
She was breathing, her hand on her chest, looking up at him. Her curly hair all messed up. It was a sight to see. He smirked and then smiled.
"Wow." Hermione whispered.
He nodded and licked his lips. She ran her hand through her hair.
"I forgot to tell you, Ginny and Jackson are having a party tomorrow night for Jackson's birthday. We're both invited. Our assistance is needed to keep it under control." Hermione blurted out.
Draco was surprised he was invited. He hated being in public but he didn't want to miss out on being with Hermione at a Hogwarts party. "I don't want to be a party crasher, but if my help is needed, I'll be there. Travers…from Slytherin?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, he's Head Boy with Ginny as Head Girl, I'm surprised you didn't notice. They're doing it in their common room. All the more reason it needs to be kept under control."
"Interesting. Will this be your first Hogwarts party that's not in Gryffindor common room?" He smirked at her.
She nodded. "Is this not your first? I wasn't aware that parties involving multiple houses were a thing?" Hermione asked.
"Not my first. Slytherin's and Hufflepuff's often partied together, with the odd Ravenclaw invited. Sometime's a few Gryffindor's, mainly the Weasley twins."
Hermione looked intrigued, she laughed. "That's so fascinating to me. I wish I had known about it, I'm surprised I didn't with all of our sneaking around."
"Would you have gone?" He looked down at her, trying to picture the beautiful swot at a party.
"I'm not sure. Probably. Probably for the same reason I'm going to this one - to keep an eye on things." She shrugged, biting her lip.
"Typical, Granger." He did an eye roll and then winked at her. "Well, I'll keep an eye on things tomorrow and you should just enjoy yourself. Weasley and Travers are also the ones responsible."
Hermione smiled. Merlin, he was a man losing his mind. "I'll consider it." Then she winked at him.
Hermione went to walk away, and he grabbed her wrist. She looked up at him. "I'll see you after ancient runes to study?" She nodded, biting her lip. Then she cast a nonverbal drying charm on him, as suddenly hot warm air was drying him completely.
He grabbed his Ancient Runes books and notes from the table and headed to class.