"Hey!"
Hermione glanced up from her work at the familiar voice. Harry had popped his head into her office. I was just about to head home and wondered if you wanted to join us for dinner?" her old best friend asked.
Hermione glanced at her watch. She had been working for hours and was quite hungry. And, anything to get her mind off dinner the following night…. "Sure, let me just grab my stuff and I'll meet you in the Atrium." She paused as she began to gather her stuff. "Just you, me, Ginny, and James, right?"
Rolling his eyes, Harry called, "yup," as he went back out into the hallway.
Minutes later, the duo were standing in line in the Atrium of the ministry waiting for a floo to open up.
"You know," Harry said as they took a step forward, "I've been meaning to ask you something about Ron."
Hermione whipped to Harry, but he was already stepping into the green flames. Following and shouting her friend's address, she gaped after him. This meant that she stumbled onto the hearth rug choking on a mouthful of ash. Chuckling, Harry passed her a glass of water. Downing it, she sputtered, "You wanted to ask me what about who? Haven't we been over the whole 'Romione Got Divorced at Age Twenty After Fighting a Major War' thing?"
"Yes, but we haven't talked about it for a while. I wanted to see how you're doing. If there's a new guy, if you've spoken to Ron since the Krum incident at the pub?" Harry led his friend into the kitchen. He lived in his parents house in Godric's Hollow with Ginny and James. The young couple had spent their freetime fixing up the building and making it homey. Now, Harry and Ginny shared Lily and James's old room, while young James slept in Harry's. There was a beautiful yard that Harry took great care of, having a surprisingly green thumb after spending hours working the Dursley's garden.
"What is it with me having 'a guy,' as it is so often put? First my Mum, now young." Hermine rolled her eyes as she sat down at the kitchen bar. "Where's Ginny?"
"She's at training. She'll be back soon, picking up Jamie from Molly on her way. And the thing about you getting 'a guy' is because we're all worried-"
The brunette interrupted, "You've spoken with my mother about this?"
"No, 'Mione, no! God, I'm not that awful. We just don't want you to be lonely. We're all settling down. What do you spend your time doing, hm?"
"I read!" At Harry's incredulous look she hurried to add, "and I go to dinner at my parents, and here. Plus, I-I- I'm going to dinner with Malfoy tomorrow."
Harry dropped the pan he was holding with a loud clang and looked up at her in surprise. Hermione, in turn, stared at him open mouthed. She certainly hadn't meant to say that, but how else could she prove she did things beyond being an old maid?
"You are?" Harry bent to grab the pot he'd dropped and Hermione hurried to help prep the vegetables. Despite testifying for the bloke years ago, Harry wasn't exactly on amenable terms with Malfoy. Like Hermione, he understood that Malfoy hadn't had much of a choice, considering the way his father and Voldemort acted around him for his childhood and teen years, respectively. However, Harry - like Hermione, agin - agreed that as an older teen and especially now, Malfoy should have worked harder to not be so actively mean.
"I am. Somehow…" Hermione glanced down then looked back at Harry. He watched her with worry and nervousness in his eyes. She sighed. "Remember that quidditch ball we ran into each other at? It was late February? Well, at the same party I met his - Malfoy's - fiancé, Astoria Green grass, and we got on well. Next thing I know, I'm their lawyer trying to annul a contract for them. Today, they invited me to dinner! I don't know. I said yes, but what if-"
"No." Harry's resounding response was so sharp Hermione jumped.
"No, I can't go? Harry Potter, if you think for one moment-"
"No, don't go down the what-if spiral. Go to dinner. Make small talk, discuss the document. If Malfoy acts up, leave. But don't stress about it." Harry sat down at the island. "I know you, 'Mione, and stressing about this won't change anything. They aren't going to fire you, this isn't a test. You can't prepare for it. So, go. What's the worst that can happen?"
The witch swallowed, "I don't much like asking the universe that." The pair chuckled, but as Hermione ran through what he had said, she quickly sobered up. "You're right. Of course you are. It's just... This is Draco Malfoy!"
"I'm right? I'm right? How on earth did you ever bring yourself to admit such a thing?" HArry put a hand over his heart, feigning utter shock.
"I take it back, I take it back!"
The banter continued throughout a pleasant evening. Ginny soon returned, little James in tow. Harry's dinner was quite good (certainly better than the red-head witch's horrendous cooking), and by the time Hermione collapsed into bed, she wasn't even worrying about the following evening. Her last thought before she drifted off to sleep was, I'm glad I have the Potters. It truly is an honor to know them.
Five fifty the next evening, and Hermione was just grabbing her bag before heading to the Malfoy-Greengrass flat. She checked herself in the mirror. Astoria had added to the parchment with the address, "Don't worry about dressing formally. Owl me if you have any food restrictions, See you soon!" So, the witch had chosen a simple outfit; her usual black wedge ankle boots and tan coat, a boat-neck gray blouse, and some navy palazzo pants. She'd put her hair up in a simple low bun, letting a few strands frame her face. As a last minute detail before she left, she threw on some small gold hoop earrings, hoping she looked casual and professional, sleek and modest. Basically, a slight;y more dressy version of the random clothes she wore to work each day.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione turned on the spot and appeared in an alley next to a tall apartment building, right where Astoria had instructed. Hermione quickly made her way up two flights of stairs and found herself in a well lit hallway with black doors branching off to appartnets. 201, 203, 205, aha! 207.
The witch took a final, steadying breath, put her hand on her wand in her pocket and knocked on the door. A moment later, Astoria pulled it open. "Hi!" she cried, and gave Hermione a brief hug. The blonde woman was wearing plain sneakers, a blue sweater that matched her eyes, and a pair of dark gray dress pants.
Astoria ushered Hermione over the door step, thanking her for coming and showing her where to hang her coat. "Come on, I'll give you a tour. Straight ahead is the lounge/dining room. Down the hall to the left there is the washroom and our bedrooms, and here to the right is the kitchen. It's nothing fancy, just a place to live while I'm still in school and we are 'engaged'."
Hermione smiled, trying not to feel too awkward. She'd never been great at making new friends, and Astoria was far too excited, and the room was- "Mmm, what's that smell?"
"Oh, Draco's making dinner," The blonde witch walked into the kitchen. And there, wearing an apron and everything, was Draco Malofy. He seemed to be doing ten things at once; one moment he was chopping garlic, the next he was sauteing some vegetables, then he was stirring the sauce and pulling a tray holding lamb out of the oven.
"Evening, Malfoy. This smells lovely. You cook the muggle way?" Hermione placed the bottle of wine she had brought on the counter and accepted the glass of water her new friend offered.
"Granger," the wizard barely nodded, not looking up from his work. "I prefer this way. Magic can't make food as well as I."
Typical Malfoy arrogance.
"He's right," Astoria said. "I love cooking, but I'm yet to meet a wizard - or witch - who can beat draco. Only reason I put up with him." She chuckled, then turned back to her guest. "What can I get you to drink? Butterbeer, firewhiskey cocktail - firewhiskey neat? The chardonnay you brought?"
"I'll have a glass of wine, if you don't mind. I'm not much of a firewhiskey drinker, I'm afraid." Hermine smiled, then - deciding she should probably show some kindness to her hosts - asked, "is there anything I can help with?"
"No, make yourself at home," Malfoy espinded in what Hermione swore was a pleasant tone. Maybe he has changed, afterall, the witch mused as she followed Astoria to the dining table and sat next to her new friend. "So, assuming we win this case, what do you plan to do with your new freedom?"
"Well, if we win," Astoria knocked on the wooden table, "I want to continue my studies. I only have a year left before I take my Healers Exams, so I'll probably stay here 'till then. As far as I know, Draco doesn't plan to move, so… Otherwise, just be able to go on dates in public. Although, not gonna lie, I'm really not a fan of most of the people I've been out with lately. What about you? Have you had any luck with dating?"
Trying not to roll her eyes at returning to this conversation yet again, Hermione responded, "There haven't been many opportunities lately."
"Not many opportunities? You are a war heroine, top of your Hogwarts class, absolutely beautiful, and there haven't been many opportunities to date?"
The brunette flushed at the praise. "I just haven't had the time, I suppose. And you left out the first thing most people think when they see me - divorcée."
"Oh, nonsense!" Astoria rolled her eyes. Just then, Draco entered with a platter of meat. Roasted vegetables accompanied the lamb, as well as a dish of rosemary gravy and one of mash potatoes.
"Here we go. Granger, I wasn't sure what you like so I just went with this. If it's not to your taste, there's a pub down the street." His grin was down right feral, and Hermione had to take a double-take. Since when was Malfoy… backhand flirty?
"Oh, I'm sure this is up to my standards, but if you need to run out and pick up some caviar, I'll wait." The witch did her best to grin right back.
There was an extended pause as everyone dished themselves up and began eating eventually, Astoria broke the silence, turning to Draco, "Hermione and I were just discussing our plans for the future. What are you going to do?"
Malfoy gave Astoria a mildly incredulous look but told their guest, "I'm probably just going to stay at my position in the ministry."
"Which is?"
The blonde wizard sketched a brow. "You actually don't know? I'm- never mind." He took a breath - Hermione guessed Astoria had kicked him under the table - and said in a much calmer, less affronted voice, "I work at the ministry as a go between with Mungos and independent potioneers. I test and research new potions. Mostly grunt work for my superiors, but it's incredibly interesting. Eventually I want to be a potioneer, but seeing as my sentence only recently let up, it's probably better I stay."
"Oh.. Is that how you two got so close? Or… are you as close as you appear?" At the surprise on the brunette's companions' face, she quickly added, "Sorry if that is too blunt."
"Not at all," Astoria took a sip of her wine. "Draco and I practically grew up together, along with Blaise Zabini, Theo Nott, Pansy Parkinson, my sister - you know, the whole gang. Since we have always shared similar interests in healing potions, we got pretty close - especially during our seventh year. Well, Draco's eight, technically."
When the witch paused to take a bite, Malfoy continued the story. "When we graduated, there was a lot of turmoil about who would live where and with who. I couldn't stand the idea of going back to Malfoy Manor - at least, once my house arrest was over - so I began looking for a flat. Astoria, it turned out, was doing the same. Her sister had chosen to move into a cottage with Pansy, and even though 'Stor could have stayed with them, she wasn't a fan of the idea."
"I…. They can be a lot sometimes," Astoria explained.
"Anyway, my mum suggested we live together, and since we got on so well.. Here we are. And, it worked out perfectly, since we are pretending to be engaged." Draco finished with a nod.
"Se are engaged, fincé, dear," Astoria's voice when so sappy and flirty, Hermione almost gagged. Malfoy seemed inclined to do the same, but rather laid his hand on her cheek.
"Oh, Honeybuns, I know. I'm just awaiting our wedding night," his wink sent the two young women into fits of laughter.
Hermione excused herself to the loo. She found it surprisingly tidy. Her experience of living with males had proven to be a very messy, disorganized lifestyle. The witch couldn't deny how well the night was going. She was getting on perfectly withAtoria, and surprisingly well with her former arch enemy. Maybe things might be looking up for her…
Whehn the witch returned to the blonde pair, they had finished their food and were idley chatting about current events.
"Hermione," Astoria siad as the witch sat down, "we have talked so much. Tell us more about you."
"Well, there isn't much you don't know. I grew up as a muggle, found out I was a witch, attended Hogwarts, fought Voldemort with Harru and Ron, married Ron, got the highest N.E.W.T score seen in years, got divorced, and am now your lawyer." Hermione smiled, but even she knew it didn't appear genuine.
Malfoy said, so quietly Hermione wasn't sure she heard him at first, "the war doesn't define who you are. Niether does your upbringing. I would know."
The pause that followed was heavy. Hermione slowly reached her hand across the table and set her hand on Malfoy's, "I know." What else was there to say. Clearing her throught and straightening up (moreover, removing her hand from a shocked, remorseful Malfoy), the witch said, " After my divorce, I was a bit lost. I spent time with my parents, toured Asia, and began my book. I didn't do much else. Eventually Ginny Weasley - she was in your year, Astoria, if you remember - helped me see that I needed a proper job. So, I reached out to Kingsley and bega working in The Department of Magical Law Enforcement as basically a scribe and researcher. I worked hard and spent the last nine-ish months climbing the ladder. Now, I'm mostly doing the work for my supervisor, Christina, and finding more cases - all criminal. Yours is my first civil. I only did it because it was so interesting. Although, this case might actually turn criminal." At her clients surprised faces, she hurried to explain, "by focusing on Mr. Cromwell rather than the document itself could cause changes to the classification of the case."
"You - you seem acquainted with Minister Shacklebolt," Malfoy noted, refilling all theri wine.
"Right, I forget that that's unusual sometimes." Hermione drank deeply from her glass.
"Being a war hero has its perks, right?" Astoria asked. "I've been meaning to ask, did you always want to go into law?"
"Actually, no. When I was younger I jumped between ideas. Journalist and microbiologist were two of my main focuses. In fourth year, I began to focus on magical creatures - particularly house elves, which led me to The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures after I graduated." Hermione stood with Malfoy and began clearing the table, ignoring Astopria's insistence that she sit and simply be a guest.
"How did you go from Magical Creatures to the legal department?" Surprisingly, the question came from Malfoy.
"As a house elf activist, I spent a lot of time trying to pass regulations and bills on how they are treated, so I worked closely with the Law Enforcement Department. Plus, my two best friends - or, I suppose best friend and ex-husband - work as fairly high level aurors."
"Ah, of course. Being Potter's right hand has its perks, too, yeah?" Malfoy smeared.
"Harry is a very good friend, thank you." Hermione snipped right back, both completely abandoning any attempt at politeness.
"Yes, of course. You know, I always wondered why he kept you around. It appears it was to continue spreading his fame," the blonde bastard rolled his eyes.
Just then, Astoria entered. She took one look at the simmering pair and announced it was time for dessert, sending her "fiancé" into the dining room to, "take a deep breath and prepare for an exquisite dessert experience." He rolled his eyes but obeyed.
Hermione remained in the kitchen, reminding herself that her old enemy was not only her client but a close friend of the woman standing next to her - a woman who Hermione hoped would become one of her good friends.
The "exquisite dessert experience" turned out to be apple pie Astoria had somehow found the time to make and vanilla ice cream. While delicious, the dinner itself was far better.
As the brunette was putting on her coat, Malfoy approached - Astoria had run off to find something she wanted to lend Hermione.
"Granger." He said. She looked up. "I want to formally apologize for much of the way I acted when we were younger and properly thank you for working on our case. I know I'm not the easiest person. I'm truly trying to get past my old prejudices - even if you were a pain when we were kids." His chuckle seemed genuine.
"I honestly was! You were downright awful, though. And, of course. Your case is one of the most complicated and challenging I've worked on in some time. I accept your apology." Hermione surprised herself at the sincerity in voice in the last sentence. She hadn't realized the words were true until she'd said them aloud.
Astoria joined them in the hall and the heavy atmosphere lightened immediately. "Hermione, thank you so much for coming to dinner!"
"Thank you for having me. The food was beyond delicious and the company wasn't too shabby," The group chuckled in response.
"I wanted to lend you this book," the blonde woman handed over a book titled A complete Guide To Quidditch for The Unsuspecting Wives. Hermione looked at the woman in confusion. "In honor of how we met," Astoria explained. "And because it's truly hilarious. A good, light read. Interesting, too." The witch paused, then looked at Hermione properly. "It's good we met, Hermione. You are so much better than all those articles describe you as. I hope we become close friends."