Who's Hermione's Paramour?
Summary: Hermione goes to a party, who will she hook up with? You decide!
Disclaimer: I do not make money with this, just playing in the sandbox.
Chapter 9 Draco
Draco Malfoy really didn't care for social engagements like this one but his mother had guilted him into coming. It wasn't that he wasn't welcome; he just didn't really have much to do with most in attendance. The decorations were the same as they had been when he was in school which made him happy and sad…happy because some things hadn't changed after everything and sad for the same reason. Sometimes change was needed.
As he scanned those gathered, he noticed the lack of one presence, Hermione Granger. It surprised Draco that she wasn't there. He thought she would be there as soon as the party started, if nothing else, out of duty. It took another hour before the witch appeared. It seemed she had come stag like him. It wasn't that no one would have been his date but Draco was interested in only one witch. As he watched the one he desired take in the Great Hall and all those gathered, he noticed her smile was forced and her eyes held no wonder or awe.
While watching Hermione speak with her friends, Draco wondered why she had come at all. Had she been guilted too? Had she thought it would be different somehow? As he continued to watch her interactions with those around her and who approached her, he could clearly see everything was an act. Hermione Granger wasn't as happy as she let on and no one was looking too deep to see why. It irritated Draco; everyone should notice the 'Brightest-Witch-of-an-Age' wasn't happy; that she wanted to be anywhere but there. But no one did, that he saw, except a select few. Her bodyguards, of course, had noticed; Draco could tell by how they hugged her that they knew something was up and McGonagall, no surprise there. The one person who did surprise him was his godfather. Severus Snape rarely let anyone in but, it would seem, he had Hermione. Draco had no clue what their conversation had been about, all he knew was that when Hermione walked away, she had a slight smile on her face and some tension had left her body.
Well, if anyone could break through to the 'Gryffindor Princess', it would be his godfather.
"Do you plan to speak to the witch or just watch her all night?" a baritone voice quietly asked.
"Watch her for now. How are you, Severus?" Draco answered.
"Well, I suppose, considering Minerva forced me to attend this year." Severus grimaced.
Draco smirked at him, "Forced you? Hah! That'll be day, more like bribed."
"Yes, well, she got her wish, didn't she." Severus smirked back.
"What did she promise you?" Draco was curious.
"No Hogsmeade weekends." Severus told him. Draco chuckled; the crazy old cat knew which buttons to push.
"You both got what you wanted." Draco stated.
"We did." Severus admitted. "When do you plan to approach Miss Granger?"
"Not sure, thought I'd let some time pass first. She seems to be making the rounds." Draco shared.
"Not anymore, she's heading this way." Severus stated as he walked away.
Draco snapped his eyes towards the direction of Severus' nod and saw Hermione heading straight for him. He straightened his posture and took a deep breath.
"Draco, enjoying yourself?" Hermione greeted him.
"Not really and you, Hermione, are you enjoying yourself?" Draco countered.
"That would be a no, no I'm not. These things are the same every year, even the decorations are the same as when we were in school." she answered honestly.
Seeing the tables move and hearing the change in the music, Draco asked, "Care to dance?" as he held out his hand for her to take.
"I'd love to." Hermione replied as she allowed him to guide her to the floor.
HG-DM HG-DM HG-DM
Hermione was in her flat, debating whether or not to go to the Yule Ball. She was getting tired of going and seeing the same year after year. The professors always made the Hall look quite beautiful but it was the same decorations as when she was in school. After everything that had happened, she had hoped new life would be breathed into everything. Some things had changed, Knockturn Alley was one, it was no longer a shady place but held an orphanage for the misplaced children, a halfway house for adults who were working on rebuilding their homes, a second hand store (first ever for wizarding Britain) for those needing supplies and such but didn't have the money to buy new and a child care center for working parents ran by Molly Weasley.
It was nice to see and feel the difference but so much had yet to move into the new world. Hermione knew she was being knit picky but couldn't help it, there were so many different decorations out there that could be used yet they continued to fall back on what they knew instead of branching out. What bothered her most was that it was much like her life at the moment. She didn't really care for her job, a Ministry lawyer, and her social life was in the cauldron. Hermione had thought going into law would be quite the challenge and it was, just not the way she wanted it to be. Changing the laws or getting rid of outdated laws was harder than it should be. Those above her loved her ideas and how she wrote new or improved laws but the ones in the Wizengamot were the same as ever and were quite adverse to change...of any kind. She was seriously considering quitting and finding something else to do.
Finally coming to the decision she would attend, at least once more, Hermione showered, shaved and dressed for the evening. She took a deep breath before apparating to the gates and walking in. As she entered the Great Hall, she was disappointed to see the decorations were the same as always, she had hoped to see something different but it wasn't to be. Instead of dwelling on it, she plastered a smile on and walked to her friends. After being greeted and learning of Lavender's "predicament" Hermione allowed her eyes to scan the crowd. It was refreshing ot see so many and that several would be adding to the population within the next year but she felt adrift in the sea of faces at the same time. It wasn't that no one approached her, quite the opposite actually. It was that she was still alone and wasn't sure how to fix it.
As she wondered over to her former Master, Minerva, she felt a bit lighter. At least Minerva was trying to change things in the school. It was a slow process, the Board of Governors dragging their feet, but she was making progress. As they chatted for a bit, Severus joined them just before Minerva was pulled away.
"How are you, Hermione?" Severus inquired.
"Well, thank you. Yourself?" Hermione automatically answered.
"Psh, I'm fine but you are not." Severus countered and smirked when her eyes snapped to him. "I know a 'face' when I see it, Hermione. How are you really?"
Hermione sighed; she should have known Severus would see through her ruse. It had amazed her how quickly they had become friends when she had apprenticed under Minerva. The man was still snarky, had an acidic tongue but the weight on his shoulders was gone and, if anyone bothered to look closely, had a lighter disposition. Of course, because of the first two, most wouldn't put the effort in to see anything but what they were used to.
"Well, if you must know, I'm considering quitting my job." Hermione admitted.
"That all?" Severus prompted.
"No, my social life is in the cauldron, you nosy prat." Hermione sighed but had a small smile.
Severus chuckled, getting the truth of her life from Hermione took a bit of effort but, he knew what to say to get her to spill. Their friendship had been a surprise to him when she was working on her Transfiguration Mastery but one he was happy had happened. Severus didn't open to just anyone, but Hermione had wormed her way into his heart and loved her for it. It wasn't a romantic love but that of a parental type. He truly thought of her as a daughter to guide and look out for, since she wouldn't let many do that, Severus took the mantle.
"You do know that my godson is interested in you and has come alone, right?" Severus shared.
"Really?" Hermione asked, surprise filled her voice.
"Really. Why don't you speak with him, I know you're interested." He smirked.
Hermione couldn't help the smile his words brought. She had thought Draco a fine wizard and quite easy on the eyes since the War; she just hadn't been sure if the feelings would be reciprocated or not. Hearing Severus' words, she felt butterflies dance in her belly. Could she be so bold? If anyone else had said that to her, she would have scoffed and walked off but Severus wouldn't steer her wrong.
Feeling a bit better, Hermione chatted with a few people before her eyes scanned those gathered for a platinum head of hair. When she saw him, she decided it was now or never. As she approached, she saw Severus speaking with Draco and wondered what he was saying then she noted how Draco's gaze snapped to her and the straightening of his posture. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Hermione reached Draco seconds after Severus left. They chatted for a moment before being asked to dance.
HG-DM HG-DM HG-DM
As the two danced, neither could deny how well they fit together. Their dancing was flawless as well, as if they had been dancing together for years. Hermione enjoyed the feel of Draco's body close to hers and his hand on her lower back felt as though no material was there, the heat searing her senses. On the other hand, Draco quite enjoyed how Hermione fit against him so well, so perfectly. The feel of her body heat was making his body respond which had him grateful for robes. Draco had dated and bed many witches throughout his life but none of them felt the way Hermione did in his arms; he wondered how much better it would be to feel her in more intimate ways. Deciding to rein his thoughts in until a more appropriate time, Draco concentrated on the easy rhythm they had and enjoyed dancing with his witch, and she would be his.
Hermione couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed dancing so much. Draco was a natural and he led her with grace and confidence around the floor. She noticed quite a few couples moving out of their way and then watching, they flowed that well. She also enjoyed the feeling of rightness being in his arms brought. Who'd have thought her biggest enemy in school would be the one to complete her? She hadn't, that was for sure but now she couldn't deny it.
After dancing for a few hours, Draco leaned down to whisper, "Ready to get out of here?" and smirked at the shiver his witch had.
"Yes!" Hermione exclaimed quietly and reveled in the tightening of her partner's arms.
As they left the dance floor, neither paid any attention to the eyes following them. Most looked happy for the young couple, others were neutral and a few were upset. Severus Snape smiled a small smile, joined by Minerva, Harry and Ron as they watched Draco and Hermione leave together.
"Well, maybe she'll smile a bit more now." Minerva commented and chuckled at Ron and Harry's surprised looks. "Oh, come now, gentlemen, I was young once too, you know." she gave them a wink as she walked away.
"About time she finds someone to make her happy." Severus stated as he left the gaping wizards, smirking.
Ron and Harry shook their heads, chuckled and enjoyed the rest of the Ball.
HG-DM HG-DM HG-DM
Once at Hogwarts' gates, Draco wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist as he apparated them to her flat.
"How do you know where I live?" Hermione cocked a brow at him.
"I make it my business to keep up with those of import." Draco answered, not the least bit ashamed.
"Is that right? And I'm someone of import to you?" Hermione prompted.
"Yes." Draco answered without preamble.
"Oh." was all Hermione could say. "Would you like to come in?"
"Do not think I expect anything, Hermione." Draco held her gaze. He wanted her to know he was sincere.
"I know, but what if I want you to come in?" Hermione told him as she slid a hand up his chest and into his hair to pull him down for a kiss.
Neither knew how long the kiss lasted, they just knew it had started a fire neither had expected but was fully ready to explore. After breaking for air, Hermione opened her door and pulled Draco inside with a smirk worthy of Salazar himself.
~FIN~
