{ 24 }
{ Draco POV }
The entire team celebrated the victory on the field, then in the locker room. Plans for a party in the common room were already under way. While the rest of the team showered and got dressed, I stepped out of the locker room to wait for them to finish.
"You nearly gave me a heart attack, you know?" I turned to find Hermione standing there, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest. "I thought for sure that Ginny was going to split your head open with that bludger."
"Do you really think I'd let that happen?" I smirked at her as my hands settled on her waist. "I can't believe you actually wore my team captain shirt."
"Yes, well, I'm not permitted in Gryffindor Tower anytime soon." She rolled her eyes and laughed. Her hands linked around my neck. "Especially not after that performance."
"I'm just glad you didn't curse me right before I won the game." I leaned down and kissed her quickly.
Her cheeks tinged red. She huffed a short laugh and rolled her eyes.
"I would not have actually cursed you." She tilted her head and smirked. "Probably."
"You sounded pretty convincing." I started to lean in for another kiss when the locker room door opened.
One by one, my teammates filed out of the room. They were laughing, celebrating. Theo was the last one out.
"There you are!" He slapped my back. "Granger. Nice shirt. I guess that answers the question, right?"
"Which question would that be?" Hermione lifted her brow and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Remember? I asked you which seeker you would be cheering for, Potter or Malfoy. Then you broke my nose." He grinned.
She flinched.
"Right. I did do that." Her lip tilted up on one side. "Would you like me to do it again? For old times' sake?"
"Not particularly. No." He took a step back. Hermione and I both chuckled.
I excused myself shortly thereafter to go take a shower and change.
When I re-emerged from the locker room twenty minutes later, Hermione was sitting on one end of the bench and Theo was sitting on the other. Even though they were as far from each other as they could be, they were facing each other and deep in conversation.
That can't be good.
Before I could find out what that was all about, I heard my name being called.
"Draco!" Tristan ran towards me at full speed. "That was the most amazing flying I have ever seen! You were going so fast!"
I knelt down so I would be eye level with my young cousin.
"Was I?" I was, of course. I don't know if I could have gone any faster than I was. "Tell me, was Potter gaining on me?"
He shook his head emphatically.
"Harry didn't stand a chance." He grinned up at me. "Guess what? Mum came and watched the game."
He turned around and pointed. Sure enough, Andromeda was making her way towards us.
"Draco. Congratulations." Andromeda smiled at me as she came up behind Tristan. "That was quite impressive."
"Thanks." Pride welled up inside my chest. "I'm glad you were here to see it."
Her smile brightened a little bit more.
"It was a happy coincidence. The Headmistress brought me in to help set up for the ball tonight. Send me your schedule. I'll come to the next game as well. Although, I'm not sure how you would top that finish."
The look she was giving me, it was the look I always wanted from my father and never received. She was proud of me.
I cleared my throat. My eyes darted around and found Hermione, still sitting on the bench, watching me with a small smile on her face.
"Andromeda, there is someone I would like for you to meet." I motioned for Hermione to join me. Reluctantly, she stood and took several steps to stand beside me. "May I introduce my girlfriend, Hermione Granger."
A flicker of surprise passed over my aunt's face. Her eyes widened just a hair, but enough.
I tilted my head and lifted my brow in question. That was an odd reaction.
"Miss Granger." She cleared her throat, stepped forward and held her hand out. "Good Merlin, I didn't recognize you."
Hermione stared at her hand for a moment, like it was a snake that would bite her if she got too close. Slowly, she reached out and grasped the older witch's hand.
"It's the hair, right?" She pulled her hand back quickly and pushed her hair behind her ear. "I'm thinking of changing it. Maybe something in a blue next time."
I felt my nose wrinkle up on the end. I am quite partial to the black and red. Although, I do miss the brown curls.
"Not blue?" She lifted her brow and smirked at me.
"It's your hair. Make it whatever color you want." My lip lifted on one side. "Although, I could suggest a good Slytherin green. It suits you."
She huffed a short laugh and rolled her eyes. Then she turned back to Andromeda.
"Please, call me Hermione." She smiled. "It's nice to see you again."
My eyes darted back and forth between Hermione and Andromeda.
"I didn't realize you already knew each other." I suppose I should have known.
"Well, I have to admit, I did not know you were related." Hermione's hand found mine. "We did meet, though. Once, after the Final Battle."
Ah. Not good memories, then.
"So, are the two of you attending the ball tonight?" Andromeda changed the subject.
"We plan to make an appearance." A very short appearance before we go to the third floor for the remainder of the night.
"In that case, I will see you both there. I can't wait to see you all fancied up."
"Of course." Hermione glanced at her watch. "Actually, I should go if I want to be ready on time. I'll see you later."
She squeezed my hand and leaned in, whispering to me, "Congratulations again. That was amazing."
Before I could respond, she pulled away. With a short wave to our small group, she took her leave.
Once she was gone, Andromeda chuckled to herself.
"Oh, Draco. You don't do anything halfway, do you?" She grinned at me. "I should have known she wouldn't just be any muggleborn. Harry Potter's best friend, partially responsible for the downfall of the darkest wizard of our time. Your Father is going to murder you. You know that, right?"
Theo threw his arms in the air.
"Thank you!" He practically shouted. "I have been telling him that for weeks. Thinks Lucius is just going to let him walk away, he does."
"I'm not worried about it." I raised my shoulder up, then let it drop.
"That's why you haven't told him yet, right?" Theo shook his head.
"I haven't spoken to either of them in months. And I don't plan to until I absolutely have to."
"When will that be, do you suppose?"
I lifted one side of my mouth in a smirk.
"They are under house arrest for five years, so at least that long." In reality, it will most likely be over the holidays in just two short months.
Not that I am planning on going back to the Manor. According to my probation, I am only to stay at Hogwarts this year or return home for holidays.
Is the Manor still my home, though? When I took on the role of Head of House Black, I inherited the castle. I need to ask Bones about that. If the castle is listed as my home now, I won't have to stay at Hogwarts during break.
"Draco?" Andromeda waved her hand in front of my eyes. "Are you alright?"
"Fine. I was just thinking about something." Something rather important. "Would the two of you excuse me?"
I didn't wait for a response. I need to find Professor Bones and talk to her. I had taken several steps already when Andromeda stopped me.
"Draco." She waited for me to stop and turn back. She had a slight smile on her face when she continued. "If I were to ask you the same question I asked the first time we spoke, would your answer still be the same?"
I had to think back to that first meeting several weeks ago now.
"Is this girl the love of your life?" She had asked.
Our relationship was still brand new at that time.
"I'm not about to propose marriage or anything." Had been my answer.
I felt my lip curl up on one side. Her smile widened as I shook my head.
"No. My answer would not be the same."
[ - - - ]
"Mr. Malfoy. Congratulations on your catch this morning. That was very impressive flying." Professor Bones told me as I entered her office.
"Thank you. I appreciate that." I sat down in the chair opposite hers.
"Now, to what do I owe this pleasure?" She linked her hands together on top of her desk.
"I was hoping that I could review the paperwork for my probation."
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. She tilted her head to the side.
"If you are not sure about something, you probably shouldn't do it."
I huffed a short laugh.
"I assure you, it's nothing like that." I leaned forward and put my elbows on my knees, clasping my hands in front of me. "I want to see what it says about my options for the upcoming holidays."
She stared at me for several long moments. She blinked several times.
"What are you up to?" She responded after several moments.
"I just like to be prepared, that's all." I gave her my best innocent look. Hermione is much better at that shite than I am.
She watched me carefully for a full minute. Then she released a deep sigh.
"You know I will figure it out sooner or later, right?" She pushed her chair back and pulled her wand. After a series of complex wand movements, the drawer on the side of her desk opened. She flipped through a few files before she found mine. She pulled it out of the drawer and laid it on the desk. "Or you could just tell me what I'm looking for here."
Bones has proven to be an asset more than once this year. She has looked out for me and Hermione, and proven herself to be trustworthy.
Alright then.
"I know that my options are to stay here or go home." I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. "I need to know if my home is still listed as Malfoy Manor."
Her eyes narrowed. She looked like she wanted to ask more questions. Instead, she shook her head and flipped the file open.
Her finger scanned the page.
I knew the exact moment when she saw it. Her finger stopped. Her eyes widened.
She laughed out loud.
"No, Mr. Malfoy. Your residence is no longer Malfoy Manor. It is now Black Castle." She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. "Well played. Once again, I am impressed."
I released a deep breath. I smiled to myself. Deep inside, something relaxed. The sheer terror of knowing that I would have to walk those halls again dissipated.
You never have to return to the Manor again.
"I would appreciate it if you kept this between us." I waited for her to agree, then I stood and turned towards the door.
"Draco." She stopped me just as I put my hand on the door handle. I turned back to face her. "You continue to surprise me every step of the way."
I nodded, not sure how to respond to that. Pride welled up in my chest.
"Thank you, Professor." With one final nod, I left her office.
Knowing that she is on my side makes me want to continue on the path that I am on. The path to being better than who I used to be.
[ - - - ]
My black dress robes fit a little loose. I still haven't gained back all of the weight I lost during the war. And I certainly was not going to ask my Mother to send a different set. These will work just fine.
Blaise and Theo were already upstairs. Hermione is meeting me at the grand staircase in fifteen minutes.
I checked the mirror one more time.
The common room was still noisy as the younger years continued to celebrate the victory over Gryffindor. The corridor was quiet, though. Except for the music that could be heard from the Hall upstairs.
I still think this dance is a bad idea. We reluctantly agreed to at least make an appearance. The plan is to go in, be seen, and get the hell out of there as quickly as possible.
I waited at the bottom of the staircase for ten minutes before I felt a tingling sensation in the back of my head. I turned to find an angel standing above me, looking right at me.
I swallowed hard against the sudden lump in my throat.
The dress she wore was absolutely perfect. Her left shoulder was bare, revealing the phoenix tattoo in all its glory. A single strap covered her right shoulder. The bodice of the dress was black and fitted perfectly. The skirt flared out from her hips to land at her feet. It was black at the top, and faded to a dark red at the bottom.
Her hair was loose, with wild curls that fell just past her shoulders. Red curled over black in a mesmerizing type of chaos. My hands itched to run my fingers through those curls.
Gods, she is magnificent.
My eyes met hers. Her lip tilted up in a half smile.
We stood there for a good thirty seconds. Just staring at each other. Taking each other in.
Finally, she took a deep breath. With one hand on the railing and the other holding her skirt up enough that she would not step on it, she descended the staircase.
I watched her every move until she stood directly in front of me.
"You are an absolute vision." I took her hand, lifted it and brushed my lips against her knuckles. When my eyes met hers again, her cheeks were pink and she was biting into her bottom lip.
She has no idea how beautiful she truly is.
One dance. Maybe two. Then we can escape to the third floor.
She linked her arm in mine.
"Are you ready?" I asked her quietly.
"Whenever you are."
As we approached the Great Hall, the doors opened for us. The dance was already in full swing. We planned it that way. Less attention that way.
Or so we thought.
We walked in, and it seemed like everyone stopped what they were doing to stare. They are looking at Hermione. I'm sure of it. Just like at the Yule Ball in fourth year, she is the most captivating witch in the room.
The moment we stepped foot on the dance floor, it seemed like every eye in the room was on us. I was hyper aware of every single one of them.
Her eyes met mine as my hand settled on her waist. Her lip tilted up on one side. We both took a deep breath, and moved together in a flawless waltz.
I focused on her. Nothing else, no one else, matters.
The music ended and we left the dance floor. Only then did I scan the crowd. Theo was sitting at a table by himself. Blaise was dancing with Susan Bones. Potter and Weasley were sitting at a table together, and they were glaring at me. Predictable.
"Do you think they are still upset about losing the game this morning?" Hermione asked me as we neared their table.
"Most likely." I would say that glare is for something else altogether though. Like her and I, here, together, with her looking as beautiful as she does.
We avoided their table and joined Theo instead. He looked like he was bored out of his mind.
"That was quite an entrance." He laughed as we sat down. "I thought you were trying to avoid a scene?"
"Yes, well, Hermione ruined that plan." I lifted a cup of punch and took a long drink. Damn, it's hot in here.
"Me? What did I do?" Her hand slapped my shoulder as she laughed.
"You walk in here looking like a damn angel and of course people are going to stop and stare."
She rolled her eyes and took a drink.
"Whatever, Malfoy." She laughed.
"I am entirely serious." My hand found hers and held tight until her eyes met mine. She needs to know it's the truth. "Every wizard in this room wants to be me right now."
"Hermione!" Luna appeared out of nowhere and sat between Hermione and Theo at the table. "I knew that dress would be perfect."
"Luna. Look at you. You look beautiful." Hermione smiled at her.
The blonde witch wore a flowing lavender gown with an empire waist that sparkled with silver jewels. Her face brightened at the compliment from her friend.
Theo was staring at the table, pretending not to notice the witch sitting beside him and looking extremely uncomfortable.
Luna glanced over at him. Now that I knew what to look for, I could practically see the disappointment in her eyes when he did not even acknowledge her presence. She seemed to shake it off quickly and returned her focus to Hermione.
Hermione's hand tightened around mine.
I kicked Theo under the table. He jumped. His eyes met mine, narrowed.
I held his gaze, flicked my eyes towards Luna, then back to him. He shook his head quickly, then returned his stare to the table and his half empty glass.
"Have you danced yet?" Hermione asked her friend.
"Oh, no." Her smile dimmed. "But that's okay. Ron said he might dance with me later."
Weasley.
I kicked Theo again.
His hand tightened into a fist, then flattened out against the table, but he kept his eyes on his drink.
I cleared my throat. My hand tightened around Hermione's, just a little and just for a moment. Then I released her hand and stood.
I cannot believe I am about to do this. Hermione has me bewitched. That is the only explanation for it.
She watched me with wide eyes and a growing smile as I stepped around her chair and stopped beside Luna.
"May I have this dance?" I held my hand out to the blonde witch. She looked at it for a good, long moment before settling her hand against mine.
"I would love to."
As we stepped onto the dance floor, I turned to see Hermione at the table, watching me. She didn't even try to hide her smile.
"The two of you are perfect together." Luna stated as we started to move around the dance floor.
"I think so, as well." My eyes scanned the crowd. No one was staring at us like they did when Hermione and I danced.
Except for Theo. He was watching our every move.
I went through the motions of the dance. Luna was chatting away the whole time. I don't know how anyone can talk that much. I half listened, but she did not seem to be in need of a response.
As the music ended. She looked up at me with a small smile.
"Thank you, Draco. I enjoyed that very much." She stepped away from me. "Hermione makes you happy. You deserve that, you know?"
"Luna," I caught her wrist in my hand before she turned to leave. "You deserve that, too. To be happy."
She tilted her head to the side for a moment. Her eyes blinked twice.
"I am." With a small lift of her lips, she turned and walked away.
Such an odd witch
I started to follow her to the table, but Hermione stopped me.
"That was the sweetest thing I have ever seen you do, Draco Malfoy." She placed her hands on my chest and pushed me back out on the dance floor.
"I'm not exactly known for being sweet, Granger." My lip quirked up on one side. We swayed gently to the soft music. I rested my forehead against hers and inhaled deeply.
"I think it's time." Her voice was so low I could barely hear her over the din.
"Time for what?" I leaned in closer. My lips brushed against her ear as I spoke.
"Time for you to take me upstairs and snog me senseless." Her eyes fluttered open and met mine.
"I thought you would never ask." My hands tightened around her waist, pulled her in closer. I had to remind myself that we are not alone.
The song came to an end and we left the dance floor. As we made our way through the small tables, I noticed that Theo was still sitting at the same table. And Luna was sitting beside him. They were leaning towards each other, deep in conversation.
We were nearly there when Luna stood up.
"Theodore. Would you dance with me?" She held her hand out and waited.
We were standing just behind them. I don't think either of them knew we were there. Hermione's hand squeezed around mine. I held my breath, still not sure what my friend's reaction would be.
He stared at her hand for several long seconds. He didn't move. I'm not sure he was even breathing.
Her hand wavered and started to fall.
I closed my eyes and covered them with my hand. I can't watch this. It's too painful. Theo is going to break her heart. Crush her spirit.
"Are you sure you want to dance with me?" I heard Theo ask quietly.
I opened my eyes to find him standing in front of her.
"I'm positive." Her face lit up in a dazzling smile. She wrapped her hand around his wrist and pulled him towards the dance floor.
I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"I was going to give him five more seconds." Hermione slid her hand around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder. "Then I was going to curse him until he begged for mercy."
"I thought you didn't want them together?"
"I never said that." Her brow crinkled and her eyes narrowed.
"My mistake." I smirked at the sudden fire in her eyes.
"I just hope he doesn't hurt her." She sighed. I could tell she was watching them. I was, too.
"I hope she doesn't hurt him." I muttered quietly in her ear.
[ - - - ]
I hoped for a clean escape. My eyes darted around the room as we neared the doors, looking for any kind of distraction that might pause our retreat. When we stepped into the hallway, I breathed a sigh of relief.
It came a moment too soon.
Professor Bones and Andromeda were standing by the staircase. They saw us as soon as we emerged from the Great Hall.
"Dammit," I muttered under my breath. "I made eye contact."
Hermione chuckled.
"Draco! Hermione! You both look amazing." Andromeda stepped forward with her arms out like she wanted to hug me. Immediately, I stepped back. I don't do hugs.
Hermione tentatively stepped forward and hugged each of the women quickly.
"Thank you so much." She smiled up at them as she stepped back.
"I took dozens of pictures, of course, but I wonder if you wouldn't mind posing for a picture for me? Here on the staircase would be perfect." She held up a camera and smiled brightly.
I hate pictures. But I wouldn't mind having one tonight.
"Very well." I sighed, as though it were a huge burden. Hermione smirked up at me.
I took her hand and spun her in a circle into my arms. She laughed, then looked up at me. My eyes met hers for a moment. Then I leaned in and kissed her gently.
Yes, I forgot that my Aunt and Professor Bones were standing there at the time. Until one of them cleared her throat. I'm not sure which one it was. If I had to guess, I would say it was Bones.
My eyes met Hermione's once again. Her hazel orbs were glistening, mesmerizing.
Merlin and Salazar.
The warmth in my chest was burning like fire.
Together, we turned towards my Aunt and she snapped a picture.
[ - - - ]
I rested my palm against the small of her back and walked beside her down the corridor on the third floor.
As we stepped through the archway into the lecture room, hundreds of floating candles flared to life and soft music started playing.
Hermione stopped and turned to face me. Her hands slid around my neck.
Our own dance on the third floor.
Today has easily been the best day of my life. I don't want it to end. Except, I'm afraid that something will happen to ruin it. Something bad.
Because something bad always happens.
Hermione's words, not mine.
She isn't wrong.
She rarely is.
The music changed to something a little louder, more upbeat. It had to be muggle music. It wasn't anything I had ever heard before.
I rested my forehead against hers and closed my eyes. I inhaled deeply. The scent of strawberries surrounded me. Easily my favorite smell in the entire world.
Now, you idiot. Tell her how you feel.
I pulled her a little closer, held her tight for a few seconds before stepping back.
Gods, she's beautiful.
"Hermione." I lifted my hand and caressed her cheek. My heart was pounding so hard, I could hear every thump. I searched her eyes, got lost in her hazel depths.
My tongue felt like it was swollen in my mouth, unable to move. Unable to utter those three little words.
Why in the fuck can't you just say it?
Her lip tilted up on the side and she raised one eyebrow.
"Come on, Malfoy. Dance with me." She stepped back, slid her hand in mine and pulled me towards the center of the room.
Coward.
She spun around, the skirt of her dress flared out around her legs. Her hands settled on my waist and she stepped close, pressing her body against mine.
"Stop thinking so loud. This is a celebration." Her lips brushed against my ear. She leaned back just enough and looked up at me through her lashes. "Or would you prefer to go back downstairs?"
She blinked.
I took a deep breath. I am overthinking this, aren't I?
The night is still young. The most beautiful witch in the castle is in my arms. We are surrounded by candle light and music. It's perfect.
"When did you do all this, anyway?" I asked, motioning to the candles and the food that was set out on the table.
"You didn't really think it took me six hours to put on a dress and fix my hair, did you?" She rolled her eyes. "Is it too much?"
"Not at all."
For the next two hours, we danced to music I had never heard. We nibbled on snack foods and drank butter beer. We talked about the quidditch game that morning, and the unlikely relationship between Theo and Luna.
Until finally, Hermione ran her hands through her hair and declared that she had been wearing that dress and those shoes long enough.
I helped her clean up and we retired to the sitting room, locking and warding the door behind us. A fire already burned in the hearth, making the room cozy and warm despite the chill outside.
"Will you unzip me?" She turned her back to me and lifted her hair.
I swallowed past the lump in my throat. Once again, she demonstrates how much trust she has in me. Trust that I will help her undress, and yet not push her further than her limit.
I took a step closer and started to reach for the zipper in the middle of her back. My eyes caught on something else, though.
The dress she wore allowed me to see the entire image of her tattoo for the first time. I caressed her shoulder. My fingers skimmed across the brightly colored skin.
It was magnificent. A phoenix, rising from flames, with a single tear falling from its eye.
She turned her head to look over her shoulder. My eyes met hers.
"You said it suits me. That day on the train." Her lip tilted up on one side.
I remember it clearly. The first time we had a conversation without curses or insults involved.
"That day seems so long ago now." I traced the lines of the phoenix' plume.
"It was only two months ago." A shiver worked its way down her spine.
"No. It was a lifetime ago." I searched her eyes, willing her to understand. "It was before."
The tension between us was palpable. I leaned in, my forehead was almost touching hers, as close as I could get and maintain eye contact.
"Before what?" Her voice was barely a whisper. She held her breath as she waited for me to answer.
I drew her closer, brushed my lips over hers. Then, with one deep breath, I leaped.
"Before I fell in love with you."
She gasped, a quick intake of air.
My heart stopped. My entire world stopped. Until she turned around.
And her lips crashed into mine.
Merlin and Salazar.
I don't deserve her, that much is certain. She can do so, so much better than the likes of me.
Even so, I will not give her up without a fight. Not now.
Not ever.
She kissed me without reservation. All I can think about is how perfect this moment is. Energy buzzed through my whole body.
My hands spread across her back, holding her close as her tongue danced with mine.
Her fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me closer.
Does she still want you to unzip her dress?
It would not be so innocent if I did now.
I can feel the zipper underneath my fingertips. My right hand followed the seam to the top of her dress, between her shoulder blades. My fingers skimmed across bare skin to the nape of her neck.
Her head fell back. I trailed kisses across her jaw until I reached her ear.
"I love you, Hermione." My voice was rough and raw. I felt her shiver in my arms. I continued kissing down her neck to her bare shoulder.
I smiled against her skin. My arms wrapped tighter around her. We stayed like that for several long moments, just holding each other.
"Draco?" She broke the silence first without moving from our embrace.
"Yes." I followed her lead, answering without moving.
"I really do need to take this dress and these shoes off." She laughed against my chest. "My feet are killing me."
Reluctantly, I relaxed my hold and stepped back. She looked up at me through her lashes. It was almost enough for me to lean in and kiss her again.
She pulled her lower lip between her teeth and turned around.
"Can we try this again?" She laughed.
That sound is one of my favorite sounds in the world. I don't hear it often, but when I do, it warms my heart.
My fingers grasped the zipper pull and gently pulled it down her back, all the way to her waist. She held the dress in the front so it wouldn't fall. Beneath the dress, she wore a black strapless corset.
My hands slid around her waist and pulled her back against my chest. I brushed my lips across the phoenix on her shoulder.
She made this noise, deep in her throat.
Fuck!
"Draco." Her hand curled up and around my neck, pressing my lips into the soft skin between her neck and her shoulder. My tongue darted out to lick her skin before I kissed her. "Oh, Gods."
Her other hand dropped down, along with the front of her dress.
We both stopped, frozen in place as the fabric pooled at her feet.
She didn't pull away, and she made no move to cover herself. She turned her head to look at me. Her eyes searched mine for several heartbeats. What I saw there was lust, and maybe a little apprehension.
My lips met hers in an intensely deep kiss. Somehow, she managed to turn around in my arms. My hands slid past her waist to land on her lace covered arse.
"Fucking Hell, Hermione." In the back of my mind I knew we had to stop. Slow down. Something.
Tonight has been too perfect. I don't want to push boundaries this time.
She pushed against my chest. Reluctantly I stepped back. She followed, stepping over the pile of fabric at her feet.
I took another step back. Again, she stepped with me.
She isn't pushing you away, you idiot. She's pushing you towards the couch.
About that time, the back of my legs hit the arm of the couch and I fell backwards. Next thing I knew, I was lying on the couch and she was on top of me.
I shifted our positions quickly so we were side by side, facing each other. My hand skimmed down her bare thigh.
"Gods, you are beautiful." My eyes searched hers for a moment before I leaned in and kissed her.
She hitched her leg up and curled it around my waist. Her head fell back when the proof of my arousal ground against her wet core.
Merlin and Salazar.
I can feel how wet she is.
I want to touch her. I want to taste her. I want to bury myself inside her.
My hips snapped forward.
My hand slid underneath the lace to cup her arse.
I was lost in the feel of her all around me. The taste of her skin beneath my lips.
"Draco!" She called my name as she tumbled over the edge.
My lips latched on to her neck. I sucked the skin between my teeth as my hips thrust forward one more time. Her fingernails dug in to my scalp as she moaned out loud.
I came. Hard.
Fuck.
I held her against me as we both worked to catch our breath. After several long moments, I leaned back and looked at her.
Her hair was all unruly curls in a mixture of red and black. Her skin was flushed.
"Gods, you are beautiful." I muttered it quietly. But she heard me nonetheless.
"You said that already." She smiled lazily and rolled to her back.
"It bears repeating." My eyes drifted shut. I need to go clean up, but right now I don't want to move from this spot.
My hand settled on her waist. My fingers skimmed over the lace covered skin. I felt myself slipping into a light sleep.
"Draco." Hermione's hand on my chest moved to my shoulder. "I need to get up."
She is lying between me and the back of the couch. I would have to move.
"No, you don't." I didn't even open my eyes.
"I'll just climb over you." I can hear the laughter in her voice.
With an audible, long suffering sigh, I relented. I rolled to my back, then into a sitting position on the edge of the couch before turning to hold my hand out and help her up.
I froze. My mouth went dry. I had to swallow hard around the sudden lump in my throat.
I don't think I realized until that moment that all she was wearing was her underwear and a pair of red suede boots that covered her calves.
Deliciously indecent. Fucking gorgeous. My cock is already twitching, ready for another go.
"What's wrong?" Her brow furrowed and she moved to cover herself.
"Nothing is wrong." I took her hand and pulled her up. "Except one look at you, half naked, tousled, sexy as fuck all, and I'm hard as a fucking rock again."
She blushed a dark red color, shook her head and lowered her chin.
"Stop." She laughed.
Does she think I'm kidding?
"I am absolutely serious." Another few seconds of staring down at her nearly exposed breasts and I would likely cum in my pants again.
I cleared my throat and averted my eyes. The things I want to do to her right now are on the list of things we cannot do. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Her hand settled on my leg, very close to my cock. Close enough that I'm sure she felt the tented fabric.
My hand covered hers and lifted it away.
"You should go clean up." I kept my eyes on the fire.
I could feel her eyes on me for a long moment before she cleared her throat.
"Right," she sighed. "If that's what you want me to do."
I scoffed.
"Trust me," I scoffed. "What I want to do right now would shatter our boundaries."
I rested my elbows on my knees and dropped my head into my hands.
Again, I could feel her eyes on me as she dissected every word I had said. After a long moment, she moved to sit beside me. She lifted one leg to rest her foot on the coffee table. Then she slowly loosened the laces and pulled it off. She repeated the process with her right foot. The only difference was before she took the boot off, she removed her wand from inside and placed it on the table.
She turned towards me, cupped her hands around my face and turned my head so she could look me in the eye.
"Draco Malfoy, that is just one of the reasons why I love you."
[ - - - ]
AN: This was a fun, kind of fluffy chapter. And the L word has been released on both sides. *sigh*
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time.
-mezy