Chapter Sixteen
Almost a week had passed since that unforgettable night in Draco's bedroom, and the atmosphere around Hermione felt heavier than usual. Ron and Harry had been noticeably distant, steering clear of her like she was a contagion. The tension hung in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth and intimacy she had experienced with Draco just days before.
Each day at work felt more isolating without her friends. She could feel their eyes on her, full of judgement and disbelief whenever they crossed paths, but neither made any effort to speak to her. Hermione had always prided herself on her friendships, but now it felt like the very foundation of those bonds was crumbling beneath her feet.
Draco was immersed in his Auror training, pouring all of his energy into the rigorous program that was both a challenge and a source of pride for him. He was focused and determined, but it left Hermione longing for the time they used to spend together, both in the cosy corners of Muggle London and in the soft glow of his townhouse.
But amidst the silence from Ron and Harry, there was one bright spot in Hermione's week: Ginny. She was unwavering in her support, a steadfast ally who had never wavered in her belief that Hermione deserved happiness.
"Honestly, I don't see what the fuss is about," Ginny said one afternoon as they sat in a small café, a steaming cup of tea in front of Hermione. "People change. You've changed. Malfoy has changed. And if you're happy together, then that's what matters."
Hermione felt a warmth spreading through her chest at Ginny's words. "I just wish Ron and Harry could see that. They're acting like I've betrayed them, like I'm some sort of monster for wanting to be with Draco."
"They'll come around," Ginny assured her, leaning forward earnestly. "They just need time. You know how Ron is—he's stubborn. He'll eventually realise that his anger doesn't change what you feel."
Hermione sighed, stirring her tea absently. "It's just frustrating. I want them to understand that Draco is different now, that he's not that boy from Hogwarts anymore. That he is so good to me."
Ginny reached across the table, placing her hand over Hermione's. "You're happy, Hermione. That's what matters. Don't let their opinions cloud that."
Hermione nodded, grateful for Ginny's presence. As much as she missed the camaraderie with Ron and Harry, having Ginny in her corner made her feel less alone. The two friends spent the afternoon talking about everything from the Ministry to wedding plans, and for a moment, the weight of Hermione's worries eased.
But as the days turned into a week, she couldn't shake the feeling of isolation. She would watch the clock, waiting for the moment Draco would finish his training for the day, eager to share her thoughts with him and hear about his own experiences. Their secret dates had become a refuge, a place where she could forget the world outside, if only for a little while.
Yet, the silence from Ron and Harry loomed large in her mind, a constant reminder that things weren't quite right. She found herself wishing for a moment when they could all be together again, sharing stories and laughter, rather than this painful divide that had formed.
But for now, she would hold onto the happiness she had found with Draco and the support of her friend, hoping that in time, everything else would fall into place.
As the days stretched on, Draco found himself lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling of his bedroom, wrestling with a whirlwind of thoughts. He felt a deep-seated concern growing within him, one that gnawed at the edges of his happiness. He loved Hermione, and every moment they spent together was filled with warmth and joy. Yet, a shadow loomed over him, darkening the light of their relationship.
Hermione had become increasingly isolated at work since their relationship had blossomed. He could see the subtle changes in her demeanour; the way she walked into the office with her shoulders slightly slumped, the way she hesitated before speaking, as if she was constantly on guard. Potter and the Weasel's distance was palpable, and he felt responsible for the loneliness that had seeped into her life.
He remembered the way Hermione's eyes had sparkled with excitement when they had first begun their secret rendezvous, their laughter filling the air as they shared bits of their lives with each other. But now, that sparkle seemed dimmed, overshadowed by the weight of judgement and misunderstanding from their friends. The thought that he might have been the catalyst for this made his heart ache.
He was aware of the whispers in the Auror Department, the murmurs about favouritism and manipulation, allegations that suggested he was using Hermione to gain an edge in his training. The very idea filled him with anger and guilt. He couldn't bear the thought of her being scrutinised, her hard-earned reputation called into question because of him. She had fought so hard to prove herself, to carve out a space in a world that had often dismissed her capabilities.
Draco's training was challenging, but it also felt trivial in comparison to the emotional turmoil he sensed swirling around Hermione. He wanted to be there for her, to support her, but he worried that every interaction would only serve to deepen her isolation. If his presence in her life was causing her this pain, was it truly worth it?
As he sat at his desk in the Auror training facility, he watched the others interact with ease. Laughter echoed around him, but it felt hollow. He couldn't shake the feeling that while he was moving forward, Hermione was being left behind.
The image of her sad smile haunted him, and he felt a surge of determination. He would speak to her. They needed to address this, to confront the elephant in the room together. He wanted to reassure her that she deserved happiness, that she should never feel alone because of him. But he also feared that bringing it up might only add more weight to her shoulders.
"Just because I love her," he muttered under his breath, "doesn't mean I want to ruin her life."
As he prepared to leave for the day, Draco made a silent promise to himself. He would protect Hermione from the fallout of their relationship, even if it meant stepping back. He wanted her to thrive, to be the brilliant witch he knew she was, unencumbered by the shadows of their association.
And yet, deep down, he feared that stepping back might break them both. The idea of losing her sent a shiver down his spine, a cold grip of anxiety that wouldn't let go. He just had to find a way to navigate this delicate balance, to ensure that love didn't come at the cost of her happiness.
With that thought weighing heavily on his mind, he stepped out into the bustling streets of London, the evening sky painted with shades of pink and orange. He needed to talk to her, to see her, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to reassure them both that their love was worth the risk.
Draco stood outside Hermione's flat, the faint glow of the setting sun casting a warm hue over the cobblestone street. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation he knew he needed to have. It had been days since he had last seen her, and in that time, the weight of their feelings had only grown heavier. He'd thought about her constantly, replaying the moments they had shared together and how he would do anything for her.
His hand hovered over the door, heart racing as he recalled Hermione's smile and the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about her work. He longed to see that spark again, but he knew he needed to approach this carefully.
Finally, he rapped gently on the door. The sound echoed in the stillness of the evening, and a moment later, it swung open to reveal Hermione, her hair slightly tousled, a look of surprise on her face.
"Draco?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and delight.
"Hello, love," he said, forcing a smile despite the nerves fluttering in his stomach. "Can I come in?"
She stepped aside, and he entered the cosy flat, taking in the familiar scent of books and warm spices from a potion simmering on the stove. The atmosphere felt safe and intimate, a stark contrast to the anxiety that had plagued him all day.
"Is everything okay?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she noticed the seriousness in his demeanour.
"Yeah, it is," he replied, brushing a hand through his hair. "I just wanted to talk to you. About… everything."
She nodded, her expression softening. "Okay, what's on your mind?"
Draco took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I know things have been… complicated lately. With Potter and Weasley avoiding you and the rumours at work, I can't help but feel responsible for the isolation you're experiencing. I just wanted to see how you were doing."
Hermione's gaze softened, a mixture of gratitude and sadness in her eyes. "I appreciate that, Draco. It's been tough, but I'm managing. I don't want you to worry about me."
He took a step closer, the distance between them closing. "I can't help it. I care about you too much. But I also want to make sure you're happy. So, I was thinking…" He hesitated for a moment, a playful glimmer in his eye. "What do you say we go out? Just the two of us, in Wizarding London? I know a great little pub that serves the best butterbeer and a surprisingly good selection of wizarding wines."
Hermione's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and he felt a rush of relief. "That sounds lovely," she replied, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice. "I could definitely use a change of scenery."
"Great," he said, grinning. "Let me grab your coat."
After helping her into her coat, they apparated to the bustling streets of Wizarding London, the sounds of laughter and chatter filling the air. He felt a surge of determination as he walked beside her, their fingers brushing occasionally, sending sparks of electricity through him.
As they arrived at the pub, a cosy establishment with wooden beams and glowing lanterns, Draco opened the door for her, ushering her inside. The warm ambiance was inviting, and the smell of hearty food filled the air.
They found a quiet corner table, and as they settled in, the atmosphere seemed to wrap around them like a soft blanket. They began to talk, the conversation flowing easily as they reminisced about their Hogwarts days, shared stories from their training, and laughed at the absurdity of some of the trainees.
But amidst the laughter, Draco couldn't shake the feeling of urgency. He knew they needed to address their situation, the unspoken emotions that lingered between them. He wanted to ensure she understood that he was there for her, no matter the challenges they faced together. No matter what she wished to do.
"Listen, Granger," he started, his voice turning serious, "I want you to know that no matter what happens with work or with our friends, I'm not going anywhere. You mean too much to me. I'm willing to fight for this, for us."
Hermione's gaze met his, her expression earnest. "I appreciate that, Draco. It's just been difficult. I don't want to put you in a position where you feel like you have to defend our relationship."
"I'm not worried about that," he insisted, his heart racing. "I'm just focused on you. I want you to feel supported, and I want you to know that you deserve happiness—no matter how messy things get."
As they spoke, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, surrounded by the warmth of the pub and the shared understanding that something beautiful was blossoming between them. And for the first time that week Draco felt a sense of hope. They could navigate this together, and he was determined to make her feel cherished.
As their drinks arrived, Hermione smiled, and Draco couldn't help but feel a swell of affection. This was what he wanted—just the two of them, building something real amidst the chaos of their lives.
As they stepped out of the pub, the cool night air enveloped them, and Draco felt a sense of relief wash over him. The evening had gone better than he could have hoped, filled with laughter and shared moments that made his heart race. He glanced at Hermione, who was smiling brightly beside him, the glow from the pub's lanterns casting a warm light on her features.
"Thank you for tonight," she said softly, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I really needed this."
"I'm glad," Draco replied, feeling his heart swell. "You deserve to have some fun, especially after everything you've been dealing with."
Just as they were leaning in for a kiss, the ambiance shifted. A sudden flash lit up the darkened street, startling them both. Draco instinctively moved to shield Hermione, narrowing his eyes against the glare.
"What the—" he began, only to see the unmistakable logo of The Daily Prophet emblazoned on the side of a camera held by a reporter standing a few feet away.
"Draco Malfoy! Hermione Granger!" the reporter shouted, excitement lacing their voice. "Is it true that you two are officially a couple? How long has this been going on?"
Draco's heart sank as he recognized the implications of the intrusive attention. He hadn't even considered the possibility of being photographed like this, especially not in such an intimate moment. Hermione's hand slipped from his as she took a step back, her eyes widening in shock.
"Just a moment!" the reporter continued, stepping closer and snapping more photos. "Can you tell us how your relationship started? Has this been going on behind closed doors while you've been working together?"
Hermione looked up at Draco, her expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. He could see the colour rising in her cheeks, and the sudden spotlight felt overwhelming. Draco clenched his jaw, instinctively wanting to protect her from the invasive questions.
"Look," he said, stepping in front of her, trying to shield her from the relentless camera. "We're not here to answer questions."
"Oh, come on!" the reporter pressed, undeterred. "This is news! The former Golden Girl and the infamous Draco Malfoy—people want to know more!"
Hermione's gaze darted between Draco and the reporter, the tension in the air palpable. "We're just two people enjoying a night out," she managed, her voice steady but her unease evident.
Draco felt a surge of protective instinct. "What we do in our personal lives is none of your business," he snapped, his tone sharp. "Back off."
The reporter huffed, trying to push through the barrier Draco created. "But this could be a huge story! Your relationship is bound to stir the pot in the wizarding world, especially with the Auror training. Do you think this will affect your careers?"
Draco felt Hermione tense beside him, and he could see the way her smile faltered under the weight of the scrutiny. "We're not here for your entertainment," he reiterated, feeling a possessive urge to shield her from the flash of the camera and the probing questions.
"Is this the start of a new era for Draco Malfoy?" the reporter shouted, still snapping photos. "Are you going to be the first to break the mould in the Auror department?"
Draco turned his attention back to Hermione, his expression softening as he noticed the unease clouding her features. "Let's go," he said firmly, gently taking her arm and leading her away from the flashing lights and prying eyes.
As they hurried down the street, Draco could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on them. The excitement of the night had quickly soured, replaced by the harsh reality of their lives in the public eye. Hermione glanced at him, her expression torn between frustration and concern.
"I'm sorry, Draco," she said quietly, her voice laced with anxiety. "I didn't mean for this to happen."
"It's not your fault," he replied, his tone soothing. "I didn't think about the consequences either. We just wanted a quiet evening."
As they walked on, the sound of the camera shutter still echoed in his mind. He could see how much this affected her, how the weight of their relationship was beginning to take its toll. And he couldn't shake the feeling that their world was about to change in ways they hadn't anticipated.
"We'll figure it out," he assured her, stopping to face her, his hands resting on her shoulders. "I promise. We won't let them dictate how we feel about each other."
Hermione nodded, but he could see the uncertainty still lingering in her eyes. "But what if it gets worse?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Draco leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "We'll face it together," he vowed. "I'm not going anywhere. You mean too much to me." And with that, Draco apparated them to her flat.
In that moment, the noise of the world faded away, and all that mattered was the bond they shared. They would navigate the chaos together, and he would do everything in his power to protect what they had built.
The sunlight filtered softly through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the small dining table where Draco and Hermione sat together. A simple breakfast of toast, eggs, and fresh fruit lay before them, but the real nourishment came from the laughter and easy conversation that flowed between them. Their fingers intertwined as they held hands, the warmth of Draco's touch sending a comforting jolt through Hermione.
"I still can't believe your father is in Azkaban," Hermione said, her brow furrowing slightly. "It feels surreal, doesn't it? After everything that happened."
Draco sighed, the lightheartedness of the morning dimming as he considered her words. "It does," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. "I never thought it would come to this. He always had a way of manipulating situations to his advantage, but now… now he's just trapped in his own hubris."
Hermione squeezed his hand gently, wanting to convey her support. "I'm sorry you're having to deal with this," she said softly, her eyes searching his. "I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you, especially considering the way you two have always been… complicated."
Draco chuckled humorlessly. "That's one way to put it," he replied, shaking his head. "It's strange. Part of me feels a sense of relief. Maybe it sounds selfish, but I don't have to worry about his influence anymore. But then again, there's a part of me that feels guilty for feeling that way."
Hermione nodded, understanding the internal conflict he faced. "It's natural to feel conflicted, Draco. You loved him, even if he was… less than ideal."
A comfortable silence enveloped them for a moment, filled only with the sounds of the bustling city outside and the gentle clinking of cutlery. Then, shifting the conversation, Hermione added, "At least you're forging your own path now. You're training to be an Auror. That's a big step."
"Yeah," Draco replied, a small smile breaking through his earlier solemnity. "It feels good to do something meaningful, something that's mine. And I have you to thank for that." He looked at her, his grey eyes sincere.
Hermione felt a blush creep onto her cheeks at the compliment. "You've earned it, Draco. You've worked hard to prove yourself."
Just then, a sharp knock echoed through the flat, breaking the intimate moment. They exchanged a glance, surprise flickering in their eyes.
"Who could that be?" Hermione wondered aloud, reluctantly letting go of Draco's hand as she rose from her chair. She walked toward the front door, her heart racing slightly at the unexpected interruption.
When she opened it, she found Harry standing there, a bemused expression on his face. "Hey, Hermione," he said, trying to sound casual. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
Draco leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow at the interruption.
Harry glanced between the two of them, his expression shifting to something more serious. "I wanted to talk to you, Hermione. I've been hearing some things around the office, and I thought it was time we had a conversation."
Hermione's heart sank slightly, realising that their moment of peace had been shattered. She looked back at Draco, whose expression had turned guarded. "Sure, come in," she said, stepping aside to let Harry enter.
As he stepped into the flat, Harry glanced at the breakfast table, and a flicker of concern crossed his face. "It looks like I interrupted something," he noted, his tone half-joking but laced with genuine concern.
"It was just breakfast," Hermione replied quickly, trying to downplay the situation. "What did you want to talk about?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his next words heavy in the air. "It's about you and Malfoy," he said, and Hermione could feel the tension rise in the room as Draco's gaze sharpened.
"Of course it is," Draco interjected, his tone dry. "What have you heard now, Potter?"
Before Harry could respond, Hermione stepped forward, sensing the brewing confrontation. "Let's just sit down and talk this through, okay?" she suggested, trying to keep the atmosphere calm.
Draco exchanged a glance with Hermione, and the warmth they had just shared felt distant now. As they all took their seats, she knew that whatever conversation was about to unfold would change the dynamic of their morning—and perhaps their relationship—forever.
Next time "The Prophet" will make a proper appearance