CW: Explicit content
Chapter Fourteen
The room was wrapped in an atmosphere of warmth and laughter, as if they were hidden away from the world in their own private sanctuary. After a particularly amusing scene in the book, Hermione set it down in her lap, her laughter lingering in the air. "I didn't think reading could be this much fun," she admitted, her voice soft but bright.
Draco allowed a small smile to curl at his lips. "Good company makes all the difference," he replied smoothly, his gaze tracing the contours of her face, captivated by the light in her eyes. "And I must say, I rather enjoy our little book club."
"Me too," she said, her voice softening. She looked at him, her expression open and sincere. "I really enjoy spending time with you like this, Draco. It's… nice to just be ourselves, without any expectations."
"Agreed," he murmured, his gaze meeting hers steadily. "I like who we are together."
They fell into a comfortable silence, a shared understanding passing between them. It was a rare space, filled with unspoken possibilities, and Draco felt an unfamiliar but welcome warmth blooming inside him. As Hermione turned the page, he found his eyes lingering on her, drawn to the gentle way the light illuminated her features. Her smile had faded slightly, replaced by an expression so earnest it made his heart race.
Taking a deep breath, he leaned just a little closer, feeling the air grow thick with words he had been holding back for too long. He had no plan for what to say, only a strong desire to finally let her know.
"Hermione…" His voice came out low, almost reverent. "I love you."
The words felt heavy and powerful, carrying all the depth of feeling he'd been concealing for weeks. He saw her face register the weight of his confession, her eyes widening, her cheeks flushed with surprise and emotion.
"You… you love me?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, as though she were testing the words out, letting them settle around her. Watching her process his words sent a thrill through him, a mix of nerves and exhilaration that made his heart pound.
Draco nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes. I do. And it terrifies me," he admitted, voice raw with honesty. "But it feels right, like this is exactly where I'm meant to be."
He watched as the guarded walls in her eyes softened, hope flickering there as she reached out, brushing her fingers along his cheek. Her touch sent a wave of warmth through him, a reassurance he hadn't realised he needed.
"Draco…" she began, but he could see the words were lost, tangled in the rush of her emotions.
Without another word, he leaned in closer, his voice barely a murmur. "Let me show you."
Their faces drew nearer, all the uncertainty and hesitation melting away. The world around them vanished, and it was just the two of them, suspended in this shared moment. His gaze flickered to her lips, stretching the moment out as long as possible, and when she closed the remaining distance, he felt a surge of warmth and relief.
Their kiss was soft, tentative at first, an exploration that felt like the beginning of something powerful and undeniable. Sparks ignited in Draco's veins, the sweetness of it filling him with an intensity he hadn't expected. She melted against him, her body fitting against his as though they had been made for this moment. He pulled her closer, feeling the steady rhythm of her heart echoing his own.
As their kiss lingered, he gently intertwined his fingers with hers, seeking reassurance and finding it in the way she responded. When she looked up and nodded, he felt a rush of exhilaration, mixed with tenderness that made his chest ache.
Slowly, he rose from the couch, pulling her gently to her feet, not breaking their gaze. "Come on," he murmured, his voice filled with invitation.
Draco led her through the softly lit townhouse, their fingers laced together. Hermione felt her heart race, anticipation fluttering in her chest as they moved down the narrow hallway. She caught glimpses of framed photographs on the walls—moments from Draco's past, snippets of a life filled with laughter and friends. Each image made her feel closer to him, as if she were getting to know the man behind the reputation.
As they reached Draco's bedroom, Hermione felt a thrill of anticipation, her heart thumping in her chest. When he opened the door, she was greeted by a space that felt remarkably… him. She hadn't known quite what to expect, but the room instantly surprised her. Unlike the grand, coldly opulent rooms she remembered from Malfoy Manor, this space was calm and personal, with a quiet, understated elegance that seemed entirely Draco.
The walls were painted a deep, almost stormy blue, lending the room an intimate warmth that wrapped around her. Her gaze swept over the dark linens covering the large, inviting bed—a striking contrast to the pale wood of the shelves that flanked it. And those shelves were filled not with trophies or pureblood heirlooms, but with books, journals, and small, meaningful objects. She spotted a neatly folded Quidditch jersey on a chair, well-worn but meticulously cared for, and a stack of parchment, ink, and quills arranged with precision on a small desk by the window. A soft light spilled in, catching the titles of books stacked on the shelf, some old, some new, each speaking to his quieter interests that he usually kept so closely guarded.
The room felt lived-in, thoughtful, a sanctuary he'd carved out for himself. She took a step forward, running her fingers lightly over the spines of the books and the rich texture of the bed's dark coverlet, feeling as though she were seeing sides of Draco she'd only glimpsed until now. In a space like this, surrounded by pieces of his life, she felt that magnetic pull between them deepen. Everything here was a reflection of who he truly was beneath the exterior—the layers that he'd slowly started revealing to her.
Draco's gaze followed hers as she took it all in, a mix of vulnerability and pride in his expression, as though he were showing her the most personal part of himself. His voice broke the silence, low and a bit unsteady. "It's not like anywhere else. I wanted… something that's mine, you know?"
Hermione nodded, meeting his eyes with warmth. "It's perfect," she murmured, a soft smile forming on her lips. "It feels like you."
He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to brush a stray curl back behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. The simple gesture sent a thrill down her spine, and she felt herself melt into his touch. "I feel like I've wanted you here… for so long," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with honesty that she knew he rarely allowed himself.
The affection and sincerity in his gaze made her heart flutter. "Draco," she murmured, her voice soft and warm. She took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his, and looked up at him, a gentle smile on her lips. "I feel like this is where I'm meant to be."
Draco's expression softened, his own emotions reflected in the grey depths of his eyes. "You make me feel things I never thought I could feel," he whispered, his voice so quiet that it felt like the most intimate confession. As he leaned closer, Hermione's heartbeat quickened, their shared feelings filling the room, each touch, each word only drawing them further into each other.
With that, he leaned closer, capturing her lips again in a soft, lingering kiss. It deepened quickly, the passion igniting anew as they lost themselves in each other. Draco's hands found her waist, pulling her closer as Hermione melted against him, her fingers tangling in his hair.
As they kissed, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them in their private sanctuary. The air was charged with a blend of nervous excitement and undeniable attraction, a heady mix that made Hermione feel alive.
Eventually, they broke apart, breathless, and Draco looked down at her with a grin that made her stomach flutter. "Should we finally move this to a bed?" he asked, his voice laced with a playful challenge.
Hermione chuckled, her heart racing. "Lead the way."
With that, Draco stepped back slightly, taking her hand and leading her toward the bed. The dim light cast a warm glow around them, creating an intimate atmosphere. He pulled her closer, and she could feel the heat radiating from him, the tension palpable as their bodies brushed against each other.
"What do you want?" he asked, his eyes drifting from hers to her lips.
"You," she breathed, her heart racing with anticipation. "I want you."
With a satisfied smile, Draco leaned in again, this time capturing her lips in a kiss that felt deeper, more intense. Hermione melted into him, her body responding to his as they lost themselves in each other once more.
The atmosphere in the room shifted, charged with a blend of anticipation and vulnerability as Draco and Hermione stood before each other, the weight of their shared moments leading up to this point hanging in the air.
Draco's fingers brushed against Hermione's arm, sending shivers down her spine. He held her gaze, his expression serious yet tender.
Slowly, Draco moved closer, his hands finding the hem of her shirt. He looked up at her, seeking permission in her eyes before he began to lift it, the soft fabric sliding over her skin. Hermione felt a rush of warmth as he peeled the shirt off her body, revealing the delicate lace of her bra beneath.
"Beautiful," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he took in the sight of her. Hermione's cheeks flushed at his compliment, a mix of shyness and exhilaration coursing through her.
With a gentle touch, Draco traced the line of her collarbone with his fingertips, his gaze never leaving hers. Hermione let out a soft sigh, feeling a rush of warmth at his touch. She lifted her hands, her fingers trembling slightly as they found the buttons of his shirt.
"Your turn," she said playfully, a hint of mischief in her voice as she started to unbutton it one by one, exposing his toned chest to her gaze. With each button she released, her confidence grew, and soon she had pushed the shirt aside, revealing the perfect expanse of skin beneath.
"Like what you see?" he teased, a smirk dancing on his lips as he caught her eye.
Hermione laughed softly, her heart fluttering at the playful banter. "Well, I'm not the only one," she shot back, glancing down at him, her breath hitching slightly as she took in the sight of him.
"Touché," he replied, his expression shifting to one of pure admiration as he stepped closer, brushing his fingertips along the sides of her waist, his hands resting on the small of her back.
With a surge of boldness, Hermione leaned in, capturing his lips with hers as she pulled him closer, their bodies pressing together. The kiss deepened, each movement filled with a growing sense of intimacy that left them both breathless.
Draco broke the kiss, his eyes darkened with desire as he reached behind her, unhooking her bra with a deft movement. Hermione's breath caught in her throat as the delicate lace fell away, and he couldn't help but admire her. "So sexy," he breathed, his voice filled with awe.
She felt a rush of warmth at his words, and with newfound confidence, she slid her hands down to the waistband of his trousers, her fingers working to undo the zipper. She met his gaze, her heart racing as she slowly pushed the fabric down, revealing the toned muscles of his hips and the skin that lay just beneath.
"I am not the only one," she teased, a playful smile gracing her lips as she stepped back slightly, allowing him to kick off his trousers, leaving him in nothing but his boxers briefs.
"I am glad you think so," he replied, his voice low and husky as he stepped toward her again, their bodies inches apart, the heat between them palpable.
In that moment, the air felt electric, charged with the weight of unspoken desires and shared feelings. Draco's hands roamed back to her waist, and he leaned down to press a kiss against her neck, trailing soft kisses down to her collarbone. Hermione sighed, tilting her head back, allowing him to explore her skin.
"Merlin, Hermione," he murmured against her skin, his breath hot and teasing, sending waves of goosebumps across her body. "You're driving me mad."
"Good," she replied playfully, her fingers threading through his hair as she pulled him closer. "I want you to go mad for me."
Their kisses grew more passionate as they made their way to the bed, shedding their remaining clothes in a frenzy of desire. Hermione's heart raced as she took in the sight of Draco's body, his muscular frame and chiselled features making her feel weak in the knees.
Draco's eyes never left hers as he lowered himself to his knees before her, his hands caressing her sides as he leaned in for another kiss. His lips trailed lower, leaving a path of heated kisses down her neck and chest. Hermione gasped softly as his lips brushed her inner thigh, her fingers threading through his silky hair.
With reverent touches, Draco explored her slick folds and then her clit, drawing sighs and whimpers of pleasure from Hermione's lips. His tongue danced and teased, building waves of sensation that had her trembling. She gripped his shoulders, lost in the exquisite sensations as he brought her to the heights of ecstasy.
When Hermione's legs could barely support her, Draco rose and guided her to the bed. He laid her down gently, admiring the flush on her cheeks and the way her chest heaved with each breath.
"You taste so good," he murmured, running his hand up and down Hermione's thigh.
She blushed at his words but couldn't help but smile at how tenderly he was looking at her.
"Let me take care of you, Draco," she said, almost begging, tracing a finger over his lower abdomen, before grabbing him fully in her hand.
He chuckled deeply before capturing her lips once again in a deep kiss that left them both breathless, while grinding himself into her teasing fingers. His own found her wet centre and he plunged two of his long fingers into her, and her hand momentarily stilled around his cock while she moaned.
"Merlin, love," he groaned into her neck, "you are so wet and ready for me." Hermione whimpered, desperate to be filled with something more than his fingers, already feeling a second orgasm building in her core.
"I need you, Draco", she begged, "please." She squeezed her hand around his stiff member, dragging a moan across his lips.
Whether it was her words, or his need himself, she did not know, but finally he removed his fingers from her tight core, and replaced it with his throbbing cock. They both moaned as he moved inch by inch, Hermione's breath quickening as he finally bottomed out.
She wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself closer as their bodies moved together in a rhythm that felt like pure bliss.
As their kisses grew more heated, Draco's hands roamed over her body, igniting fire wherever they touched. Hermione moaned softly, her body arching into his as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations coursing through her.
Their lovemaking was slow and passionate, each touch and caress building upon the last until they were both trembling with need. They whispered each other's names like sacred prayers, lost in the moment of being completely consumed by one another.
When they finally reached their peak, it was like fireworks exploding in the night sky. They clung to each other as waves of pleasure washed over them, their bodies shaking with the force of their release.
They lay tangled together for a few moments, catching their breath and basking in the afterglow. Draco brushed a strand of hair away from Hermione's face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before pulling her close again.
"Merlin," he breathed out, still trying to catch his breath. "That was… incredible."
Hermione smiled contentedly and snuggled into his chest. "Yes," she agreed with a sigh. "It was."
They fell into a comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the feel of each other's skin against theirs. Hermione traced lazy patterns on Draco's chest while he played with strands of her hair.
The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Hermione stirred awake, her head nestled against Draco's shoulder, enveloped in a comforting warmth. The events of the previous night played through her mind, and she smiled to herself, feeling the gentle weight of their shared moments.
As she shifted slightly, she became aware of the crisp white sheet laying across her body. The fabric brushed against her bare skin, reminding her of Draco's warmth and the intimacy they had shared. She glanced over at him—his dark hair tousled and a faint line of stubble gracing his jaw, accentuating the chiselled features she had come to adore.
Draco was still asleep, his arm draped protectively around her, a light frown creasing his forehead as if he were caught in a dream. Hermione couldn't help but admire how peaceful he looked. Her heart swelled with affection as she contemplated the new development of their relationship.
Feeling the urge to stir him from his slumber, she gently kissed his shoulder. "Draco," she whispered, her voice soft and tender.
He shifted slightly, a sleepy grin spreading across his face as he opened his eyes. "Good morning," he mumbled, his voice gravelly with sleep. "What time is it?"
"Too early for you to care," Hermione teased, her smile widening as she propped herself up on one elbow, her hair falling in soft waves around her face.
Draco chuckled, his grey eyes sparkling as they met hers. "Fair point. But I could definitely go for some breakfast."
"Let's make it together," Hermione suggested, excitement bubbling within her at the idea of sharing a new experience in the kitchen. She swung her legs off the bed, her feet landing softly on the cool wooden floor.
Draco pushed himself up, their shared cover hanging low on his hips, revealing a tantalising glimpse of his toned physique, showcasing the path of dark blond hairs leading down under the covers. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and grinned at her, the warmth of the morning enhancing the attractive glow in his features. "You mean to say I have to leave this cosy spot?"
"Just for a little while," Hermione replied, trying to suppress her laughter. "I promise it'll be worth it."
With that, she slipped on his Oxford shirt, the fabric fluttering around her thighs as she walked toward the kitchen. After putting on a pair of grey joggers, Draco followed closely, his gaze lingering on her as he moved into the space beside her, ready for their culinary adventure.
"Okay, chef," he said, leaning against the counter. "What are we making?"
Hermione glanced around the kitchen, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "How about scrambled eggs and toast?" she suggested. "And maybe some bacon if we're feeling adventurous."
"Sounds perfect," Draco replied, pushing off the counter and stepping closer. "I'll handle the bacon, and you can do the eggs. Just try not to set the kitchen on fire, alright?"
Hermione laughed, a little shy under his teasing gaze. "No promises!"
They moved around each other with a comfortable ease, their movements syncing as they navigated the kitchen for the first time together. Hermione cracked the eggs into a bowl, whisking them vigorously while Draco focused on the frying pan, the scent of bacon sizzling soon filling the air. Their conversation flowed easily about innocuous things.
"I can't believe we've never played a game of chess together," Hermione remarked, glancing over her shoulder with a grin. "Feels like something we should have settled ages ago."
Draco raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smirk. "Are you implying you'd stand a chance against me, Granger?"
Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, please, Malfoy. I'd have you in checkmate in under ten moves."
"Ten moves?!" he scoffed, feigning offence. "I'd give you five before you were pleading for mercy."
Hermione crossed her arms, giving him a mock glare. "Is that a challenge, then?"
"Absolutely," he replied, matching her playful defiance. "But prepare yourself—I don't go easy on sore losers."
"We'll see who's the sore loser when I win," she shot back, smiling.
Draco chuckled, leaning in. "Careful, Granger. You're about to learn what it's like to be thoroughly outplayed."
Hermione just shook her head. "I'm counting on it, Malfoy." They continued prepping the last of breakfast in comfortable silence.
She couldn't help but steal glances at Draco as he focused on the stove, the way his brow furrowed slightly as he concentrated made her heart flutter.
Once everything was cooked to perfection, they set the table together, Draco carrying over the plates while Hermione poured two glasses of pumpkin juice. They settled down at the table, the food steaming and inviting before them.
"Bon appétit," Draco said with a flourish, raising his glass in a mock toast.
"Cheers!" Hermione responded, her heart soaring with happiness. As they dug into their breakfast, their knees brushed beneath the table, sending sparks of warmth shooting through her.
"Delicious," she declared, savouring the flavours of the meal and the companionship that enveloped them.
"Only the best for you," Draco replied, his tone genuine. "I'll have to up my cooking game more often if this is what it gets me."
Hermione smiled, feeling a rush of affection for him. "I'd like that."
As they continued to eat, the light banter resumed, their laughter mingling with the sounds of breakfast being enjoyed. The warmth of the morning wrapped around them, sealing this moment in their memory—a beautiful beginning to what felt like a new chapter in their lives together.
So lovely... lets see how long until their bubble bursts!