Hermione closed the door to her dormitory and leaned back against it, sighing heavily in dramatic relief. It was finally over. She shrugged off her robes as she made her way over to her trunk, tossing them into a heap on the floor. She began pulling out her shower things and fresh clothing when the door burst open and Ginny rushed in.
"I just heard you were back! Malfoy ran into us in the hall, said you wanted a nap. He said the ruling was good!" She rushed in and threw her arms around Hermione's shoulders, squeezing her tightly before stepping back and scrutinizing her.
Hermione managed a smile, "yes, it was the outcome we were hoping for. McLaggen will be in Azkaban for a minimum of fifteen years."
"Fifteen! That's great! You only asked for ten didn't you?" Ginny sat back on the bed and crossed her arms, intently focused on Hermione's reactions and body language.
Hermione continued stripping off the clothing she'd worn under her robes and adding them to the pile. "Yes. It is good. He seemed to have no remorse for his actions. The way he would glare up at us..." Hermione shook her head in sadness.
"Do you feel bad for him? Tell me what we're feeling bad about here? You don't seem happy." Ginny finally inquired.
Hermione wrapped her towel around her now naked body and picked up her shower basket, Ginny followed her into the adjoining room.
"No, I am happy about it. I'm just exhausted from this whole ordeal, and crashing emotionally I guess." She started the shower before hanging her towel on the hook and stepping inside. Ginny sat on the sink counter to listen more but Hermione didn't know what to say. Her mind kept going back to Malfoy and how he'd acted all day. And at lunch. And having him next to her was a relief during that trial. But was she ready to admit those things to her ex boyfriend's little sister?
"Oh shit, I ran into your dad and Percy before the trial." Hermione pulled the curtain aside to say and Ginny made a face.
"Oops. We didn't tell him anything. Was he too nosy?"
"No, he reacted as one would expect him to. He and Malfoy's solicitor seemed to have bad blood there and we were all in the lift together. Once I assured him that everything was fine and that Ron and Harry and the headmistress knew it all and it would be fine, he relented and let me go without him accompanying. But Malfoy did grab my hand in front of him. I yanked mine away angrily but I dunno. I'm sure it didn't go unnoticed by your dad." Hermione scrubbed her hair in the steaming water, rinsing out the suds before dousing all the curls in a thick layer of conditioner.
"Damn. We probably should have just let him know it was happening. I'm guessing he didn't let it go easily." Ginny imagined what it was like for her father to see Hermione there with Malfoy and the hated solicitor and not know what was going on.
"I'll write him a note to share with your mum. I do feel bad that we ran into him like that. I didn't expect to. Do you think I should tell them that Ron and I broke up? I don't think he would do it..."
"Yeah I doubt he ever would. I can write to them for you. Don't worry about it. You don't owe them anything." Ginny assured.
"I know. I just... they're the closest thing to parents that I have. And they sort of know me, for longer than Ron and I were together, ya know?"
"of course, definitely. They will think of you as a second daughter even without Ron as your boyfriend. Don't worry about that. They won't let you go just because Ron has."
Hermione silently cringed from inside the shower. She rinsed off completely before shutting it off and stepping out. "I hurt Ron badly though, and he's their son. They should hate me as much as he does."
After a moment of pause, Ginny finally asked "do you hate yourself for it?"
Hermione secured the towel under her arms and squeezed out her curls over the sink. She sighed deeply "I dunno. Maybe. I hate that I did it. And it hurts that he hates me. But I feel like I'll always deserve that from him."
"We don't deserve eternal punishment for mistakes though." Ginny tried to reassure.
"I know." Hermione admitted. She used her wand to dry her hair piece by piece into perfect ringlets. It took forever, but she did love her curls now.
"How was Malfoy during the trial? Did they have either of you speak?" Ginny asked.
"No, we didn't have to speak. Thank god." Hermione paused, working on her hair still and thinking about what she wanted to say. "Malfoy was, good." She settled on. She glanced over at Ginny who raised a brow, unsatisfied with that answer.
Hermione sighed, "he was great. Ok? He was... annoying. But he was himself. And he was... it was... a comfort to have him next to me. To not be alone in that situation." She was stumbling over words trying to convey her feelings accurately. "Like it would have been nice to have you and Harry there too. Of course. But Malfoy was a victim too. It was nice to not be alone that way. And he was collected calm and confident. I definitely fed off of his energy."
Ginny was silent, seeming to know that Hermione needed to verbally work this out for herself. She was ever the supportive best friend.
"There was this moment, we had paused for lunch and Mclaggen's mother sort of threw herself at me in the hall. Malfoy like, stepped between us, like it was an immediate reaction. And he's done stuff like that before, to me. At that party the first time he stepped between me and Mclaggen, and when he and Harry and Ron saved me that last time. Hell, even the first time I got dosed, he took me to the hospital wing. He just hasn't been the sniveling boy that hid behind Crabbe and Goyle, like he used to, and it's weird. And confusing to me."
Ginny nodded, lost in thought. Hermione finished her hair and went back to the room to dress. Ginny followed, perching on the bed while Hermione pulled on her shorts and oxford jumper. She thought about that night with Malfoy in the potions lab every time she wore this now.
"Can we go back to Mclaggen's mum throwing herself at you?" Ginny asked.
Hermione cringed, "She tried asking me to go easy on him. Said stuff like he's just a boy who made a mistake. And all the while McLaggen just glared angrily during his trial. No remorse, no embarrassment. Nothing to indicate that he would have acted differently."
"Wow. The delusion." Ginny shook her head in disbelief. "Did you get a chance to talk about anything with Malfoy?"
"Like the trial? Not really. I mean right after that moment with Mrs McLaggen, Malfoy and I went to the ministry cafe for lunch break. But we didn't talk about the case because there were a lot of people around. We just sort of hung out. It was comfortable. And I was uncomfortable with that. And then we got back here and I just felt overwhelmed and wanted to get away from him." Hermione laid back against her pillow, Ginny waited, sitting at the end of the bed.
Hermione sighed "he's flirty, and interested, and he stares at my mouth and my arse and he's protective and witty and I'm drawn to him. But he's Malfoy. He's petty and angry and reactive. I hate that he told Ron about... it. I hate when I see glimpses of his younger abusive and mean self. I feel like... like I can trust him with my life, but I can't trust him with my heart. If that makes sense." Ginny nodded along in understanding.
"And a purely physical fling just for fun seems disrespectful and insensitive to Ron." Hermione sighed and dropped her head back.
After a pause Ginny asked, "if Ron wasn't a factor, would you go for it?"
Hermione gave an ironic chuckle before shaking her head, "yeah, I probably would." She admitted guiltily, looking back at Ginny. To her surprise, the redhead was grinning. "What?" Hermione questioned warily.
Ginny shrugged. "I just... I'm supporting whatever you want. And..." she paused with a look toward Hermione.
"Tell me." Hermione nudged Ginny with her toes.
"Well, I've seen it too. Especially in herbology because that's the most time we spend together. But he totally wants you. It's extremely obvious. He'll definitely go for it the second you give the ok."
Hermione sighed "but what if I want more than casual? I don't think I'd be very good in a casual thing. If I don't see a forever with the guy, I don't want to waste time with him. And I don't think Malfoy and I could make for a very serious coupling. And I don't think he'd be interested in that either..."
"But?" Ginny questioned.
Hermione looked guiltily down at her lap. "But I'm so drawn to him. I don't know what it is. Residual psychological effects of the potion? I hope that's all it is." She covered her face and scooted further down on the bed, huffing in exasperation.
"Well, just remember," Ginny squeezed Hermione's ankle affectionately. "Whatever you do decide to do, with whoever, I'm always your bff. Brother or not, I'm on your side always. I will always consider you my sis. And I fully support flings and casual sex with hot slytherins..." she added with a giggle.
Hermione sat up and hugged her friend. "Thanks gin, I love you. Thanks for always being on my side."
"So, can I come wake you up in time for the party tonight?" Ginny stood and began to draw the curtains for Hermione.
"Ugh, about that..." Hermione groaned.
"You don't want to go?" Ginny paused her exit, studying her friend.
"I just really don't feel up for it. I'm so drained. Maybe after a nap I'll feel better. But please don't wait for me. You and Harry just go have a nice time."
After a second, Ginny said "I'm torn between insisting that you come out and letting you have some very much needed rest..." she squinted her eyes and watched Hermione closely.
Hermione laughed, "go! I'm serious. I'll come find you if I decide to attend. Promise."
"Alright... Sweet dreams!" Ginny conceded as she left the room.
Hermione rolled over and willed her brain to turn off. She was exhausted. The trial was an emotional roller coaster. Having to listen to everything in front of a bunch of people. Seeing McLaggen show zero remorse. Having Malfoy there beside her.
Their banter did help calm her anxieties. At lunch he had continued to pester her about all the unhinged things she did in earlier years. It had kept her mind completely off of the pending verdict and she had even laughed.
When the sentencing was read, he had stepped his foot toward hers and she leaned her knee against him. She hadn't wanted any public touching like that stunt he'd pulled in front of Arthur Weasley. She didn't want the entire wizengamot to see anything. The Prophet would be all over the case afterward. The case was sealed for their privacy, but details would undoubtedly be leaked. But the subtle gesture was very welcomed. She was grateful for his discretion. If no Weasley's were involved, then he seemed to be quite tactful and reserved.
When they'd floo'd back to the headmistress's office, there had been a moment between them. They'd descended the spiral steps and stood in the corridor briefly. Hermione's heart beat heavily in her chest as she stared up into his eyes. His gaze had dropped ever so slightly, to her mouth. She'd turned abruptly, clearing her throat and twisting a strand of hair while thanking him for his help and telling him she needed a nap. Malfoy had chuckled and said "see you at zabinis party, granger." Before turning, hands tucked in pockets, his sideways smirk burned into her retinas.
She had gone straight upstairs, heart pounding, brain a jumbled mess. All those thoughts she'd shared with Ginny, plus darker and wilder ones that she would take to her grave. Those played on repeat as she willed her mind to shut down and get some sleep.
Draco turned the corner, daydreams spiraling out of control as he nearly bumped into the she-weasel and potter.
"You're back! How'd it go? Where is Hermione?" Potter's girlfriend didn't take a breath in between as she looked around him frantically.
"It went so well that Granger needed a lie down." He winked at the Ginger before looking at Potter with a smirk.
"Nice." Potter said without amusement as his future sperm incubator ran off without a glance back.
Draco turned to continue on his way before Potter stopped him one last time. "Malfoy," he paused, scrutinizing Draco cautiously.
"What?" Draco prompted, seeping annoyance into his response.
"What was the verdict?" Potter finally asked.
"Fifteen years in Azkaban." Draco shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets. He started to turn when potter put his hand out and grasped his shoulder.
"Listen, I dunno what you're up to. But you're being pretty obvious with your attention toward Hermione. If it's just to fuck with us, with Ron and me, please, just stop. I don't want to have to murder you." He squeezed Draco's shoulder just hard enough to show he was serious.
Draco scoffed and shrugged off the gesture. "Pathetic that you think the only reason a guy would look at her would be to spite you and your sorry excuse for a side kick. She's way out of both of your leagues, actually she's quite more suited to mine, wouldn't you agree?" He smirked and strolled away backwards with a slight wink at Potter who just narrowed his eyes.
Draco turned the corner and continued down the steps to the dungeons. He had a package to deliver and an evening to plan. He was high on his day spent with her, making her laugh, being there for her, watching her in that skirt. And letting McLaggen see what Draco had taken from his stupid potion dosing stunts really put Draco in a good mood. He was grateful to Potter for keeping the vibes going.
As he entered the slytherin common room he kept his eyes peeled for Blaise. When there was no sign of him up there, Draco headed for their dorm. He opened the door abruptly, calling out for his friend at the same time.
"Fuck! Argggh no! My eyes!" Draco turned his head slightly in disgust as he held up a hand to block the view in front of him.
Pansy and Theo were scrambling to cover themselves on Theo's bed. Despite not wanting her, Draco's cock involuntarily twitched at seeing them together the way Draco and Pansy used to be. He wasn't jealous of Theo. But his cock was jealous that Theo had something that Draco hadn't in too long.
"Please," Pansy scoffed and tried to sound unaffected. "It's not like you haven't seen it before." She taunted.
"I have not seen Theo's hairy arse-crack before, no." Draco raised a brow in indifference. "Where's Blaise?"
She shrugged from Theo's bed, holding a sheet up and around her chest. Theo stood next to her, covering his waist with a pillow. "How should we know? He's not here."
Theo cleared his throat "he's at the Room. Getting things ready."
Draco turned "this door locks, you know?"
"We like the thrill of being caught." Pansy said seductively, tugging at Theo's pillow.
"Well you're welcome then." Draco pulled open the door to leave.
"Wait! You could join us..." Pansy suggested, standing on the bed, dropping the sheet and stroking herself.
Draco sneered at her naked body and was not turned on by it in the slightest. He laughed out loud as he left the dorm and took off for the room of requirement.
He didn't blame Theo for taking whatever cunt he could get. As a friend, he was happy that he was getting his cock wet. But he had little respect for someone who wanted Pansy's slender bony body. Her tits and her arse were nearly nonexistent.
Somehow Draco's thoughts shifted to the gryffindors and he wondered if Potter had ever been jealous of the Weasel for getting Granger. Or if there was just no attraction there. Potter was definitely better looking than the freckly git, but he was shorter. Granger probably could have had Potter if she'd wanted him. Granger could easily have any guy she wanted.
Draco admitted to himself in the silent recesses of his mind that her body was the type that he was attracted to. The whole thing was perfect, but her arse was what he'd had to look at all day today so that's what he was focused on as he jogged up the steps. He would probably easily be able to touch it tonight.
He didn't notice that he was there until his heart stopped a bit, standing in that corridor, in front of that tapestry. This corridor was full of major anxiety for him. He'd avoided it successfully. And here he was, willingly entering said room. Because Blaise wanted to have a fucking party. And it was now going to be a chance for Draco to get closer to Granger. Blaise said it was fine inside, so Draco knew he wouldn't be entering a charred ruin. He knew that. But the flashes of terror as he clung to the back of Potter and they outran the fire stilled flared up.
Draco cleared his throat, clenching his fists and taking a deep breath, he stepped close to the wall. A door appeared without any effort on Draco's part. He pulled it open.
Draco stepped into a huge ballroom, something one might see in a pureblood manor. It was brightly lit while Blaise and Daphne went about setting up the place. But Draco assumed it would be dark and seductive by the time the party began.
Blaise was hanging a shining ball from the ceiling with his wand as he looked over to the door. "Yes! About time. How'd it go?" He called out.
Draco stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked slowly into the room, looking around. He'd half expected it to smell like ashes still. "Better than I even hoped."
After securing the ball, Blaise finally walked over to meet Draco who pulled the package from his pocket.
"Dude, yes! Fuck we're going to have a good time!" Blaise clapped Draco on the shoulder and shook it enthusiastically before going over to Daphne. She was at a table arranging liquor bottles and cups
"I hate all of this, it's hideous." She was groaning, trying to make something nice and functional. "It's just going to end up a huge mess after five minutes."
"Let's dump them all into a huge cauldron and just have one crazy strong drink option??" Blaise suggested.
Daphne thought about it for a minute "that could work. I need to go find the right bowl and some fruit." She kissed her boyfriend on the cheek before leaving them to go off on a search.
"So, what do you think?" Blaise gestured around them before leaning back against the table and crossing his arms.
"Looks great, mate. I'm relieved actually. What about the upstairs party?" Draco didn't want to linger on his feelings about this room. He wanted to leave it as soon as possible if he was honest with himself. But he forced calmness into his demeanor as he spoke with Blaise.
"Yes, I'm headed up there now actually. Mcgonagall is helping set up the place and I have to talk with her and the school elves to get the catering worked out." Blaise walked with Draco toward the door. "They want something super professional, something all the good little girls and boys will participate in with their ministry jobs and salaries. How to be a bureaucrat. I even talked her into wine and champagne. A one glass per student limit. All professors and seventh/eighth years were invited. They have no idea."
"Well I'm excited to see if you pull it off." Draco said after they left the room. The tightness in his chest eased significantly. "I'll see you later then." He turned and left as Blaise headed up to the astronomy tower.
Draco needed some time between traumatic place visits. He was not a gryffindor. He didn't want to face his fears. He wanted to shove them into a deep dark place and never relive those memories again. But Granger would be there tonight, so he would have a distraction. And that would be worth the effort.
On his way back downstairs, Draco quite literally ran into Weasley. They'd bumped shoulders trying to pass around a corner. Initially, Weasley looked apologetic. Until he saw Draco, and his mood turned sour. On the contrary, Draco's mood piqued.
"Weasel, missed you at the send off party this morning. Didn't realize there was so much bad blood there." He taunted. Weasley tried to keep walking but Draco knew what was simmering there just beneath the surface. "Wish you could have been there to see Mclaggen's face while we destroyed him. It was satisfying." The redhead froze in place. Probably torn between wanting to know just how pathetic Mclaggen looked and not wanting to hear anything about his ex-girlfriend from the one she cheated with.
Draco smirked, his psyche needed an outlet after revisiting trauma. But he also knew that anything he said could be relayed to Granger and he didn't want to jeopardize his chances again.
Weasley interrupted the spiral of insults Draco was sifting through. "Don't speak about her to me. I don't care who she's with or isn't with. If you utter her name in my presence I will hit you." He spoke calmly but his eyes flashed dangerously. Maybe heartbreak was enough to turn Weasley into a man.
Draco still felt like he'd won, so he just smirked and walked away, letting Weasley have the last word this time. Instead, Draco daydreamed about all the potential scenarios that could play out this evening. Just the thought of her, of touching her skin, her hair grazing his cheek, her scent, they were enough to calm him. And he was completely oblivious to the dangers of that power that he was unknowingly giving her.