Hermione stopped herself from sighing in relief. If it was a mutual break up after a month or two meant that this wouldn't technically be a rebound? That's what she told herself. The emcee for the evening made an announcement, thanking everyone for attending, made a friendly joke about the host, and introduced the entertainment. The band started playing for attendees to dance to. That's when Draco made his move.
Hermione smiled and curtsied back. "So polite, how could anyone say no?" She put her hand in his and they approached the dance floor. As they began dancing, more and more people join in, a few giving a peculiar look at moments. It reminded her of their dance at Hogwarts so long ago. Old prejudices die hard, it would seem. "I wonder, if we were to be seen together frequently, how long do you suppose it would take people to get used to the sight?" She asked this question to gauge Draco's response towards her; to see his reaction to the thought of being seen together in the future.
. . . . . . .
Draco guided her through a circular waltz around the room. He could feel the eyes of others, but ignored them. His eyes only gazed upon Hermione. She looked phenomenal. He was honored for the opportunity to dance with her again and present her as the beautiful soul that she was while they waltzed across the dance floor. "No matter the frequency, I believe there would always be some who would never get used to the gorgeous sight the two of us together create." He answered, more or less calling them together a gorgeous couple. She had her brilliant mind and attractive physic. He had his stoic charm and appealing features as well. Gone were the days where she could hide behind a book or him behind his father. It was inevitable that they both would always be noticed by the general public. For positive and negative reason.
. . . . . . .
Hermione giggled, "True. Do you want to really give them a spectacle and let me lead for a bit?" Of course people would freak out and gossip that Hermione Granger lead Draco Malfoy in a dance, it would possibly make front page Prophet and Quibbler.
. . . . . . .
Draco subtly shook his head no at her request, "I recall the last time I allowed such. It was less than presentable. Definitely not something I will ever do in public." He explained as he guided her through a spin and returned her back into his arms. She was so close he could smell her perfume. It complimented her wonderfully.
He was willing to break some traditions of his lineage. But to break the traditional way of dancing with a man to lead a woman to follow and ultimately make her look good; to swap those roles was too bold for him.
. . . . . . .
"At first, but as you got used to it, you became much better at it." She argued. "You do not desire to do so, that is fine. We wouldn't want people to think that the world is coming to an end." She gave him a teasing smile and a wink.
Despite Draco's exceptional skill at lead, that didn't prevent another couple from bumping into them. "Oh, excuse u-Hermione?!" Harry's voice proclaimed. Harry and Ginny seemed as though they enjoyed a bit too much wine already. "And here I thought you weren't coming since you didn't have a – Malfoy?" He finished when he realized who Hermione was dancing with.
Ginny giggled, "Oh, I didn't have a chance to tell you, Harry. Draco sent a patronus to her earlier asking for a favor. Was that favor a date for this party?"
. . . . . . .
Draco wasn't entirely shocked that Hermione had company before he arrived to see her; particularly the company of her best friend's wife. The female Weasley had been around during their '8th year' at Hogwarts. Her and Hermione may have even shared a dorm room together since there was an overabundance of seventh and eighth year students taking the same courses.
He gave a curt nod, "Potter. And Ginevra I have no need of using favors from others to procure dates." He told her, clarifying her assumption. The song came to a close and the four of them walked off the dance floor. If he really thought he could love Hermione than he needed to accept the other people in her life too; such as Harry Potter and the whole Weasley family. For now it seemed being civil with Potter and Ginerva was doable.
"Hermione, you asked him to be your date for this evening?" Ginny asked, the look on her face and her husband's was still a bit perplexed. "Care for a drink anyone?" A waiter came around and Draco took a glass of champagne off the silver tray. He would need it to get through this conversation.
. . . . . . .
Ginny gave Draco a look when he called her Ginerva, but she let it go. Hermione took a glass of champagne as well, though Harry and Ginny declined, feeling that they've had enough. "Yes, I did ask him to be my date tonight." Hermione stated simply. "We worked together in Tanis and became comfortably acquainted."
Harry glanced at Draco, then back to Hermione, "That's good, I suppose." Ginny grabbed her husband's arm, "If anything were to happen, if anyone can handle him, Hermione can. Not that I think anything weird is going to happen, mind you." Ginny said smiling awkwardly at the Draco.
. . . . . . .
"I think we all have had our fair share of 'weird' experience in the company of each other at some point in time or another. This party is to celebrate the arrival of a new year. Why not look forward to it and the many possibilities it holds for each of us, weird or otherwise." Draco replied giving Ginny that flamboyant smirk of his, as he finished off his glass of champagne. He knew Hermione Granger could hold her own, as did Potter. The 'chosen one' wouldn't have lived long if he hadn't had his brilliant and loyal friends around.
"I agree to that. I think we all had enough of that growing up. It's nice to look forward to something normal." Harry agreed, taking Ginny's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. It was a gesture of affection that reminded Draco of his past. When he was very young, his father would do that with his mother. Draco would catch only moments of it as it was just a subtle gesture, but it's what made him think that for all the shame his father had put them through with his choices and the consequences, it made Draco believe that Lucius loved his family.
. . . . . . .
Hermione nodded, "I don't know, I tend to enjoy 'weird' sometimes." Then she looked at her date who seemed lost in thought. "Draco, is everything alright?" she prompted. Harry spoke up, "He sure seemed interested in Ginny and I all of a sudden. You coming on to my wife, Malfoy?" Harry voiced in obvious jest and Ginny giggled.
. . . . . . .
Draco pulled out of his reverie and gave a faux laugh. "Very funny Potters'." He responded, taking the hand that held Hermione's and loosely slid id across her back at waistline level. It came to a stop when it rested comfortably on her waist, keeping a gentle hold of her next to him. It was a rather bold move, but after Harry's harmless remark something primal in Draco wanted to show that he only had eyes on Hermione.
"Pardon my interruption, Mr. Potter, may I have a word with you?" A wizard asked kindly approaching the group. "Of course." Harry answered as Ginny bid Hermione and Malfoy farewell, "Have a pleasant rest of the evening you two."
Draco was relieved to see them go. "Well that wasn't awful, I suppose. Where to next Hermione? I don't suppose we have spoken with every one you desired to speak with already, have we?" He asked of her.
. . . . . . .
Hermione couldn't help but giggle at Harry's jab towards Draco, but suddenly stopped when she felt a hand on her waist. A sudden shiver ran up her spine and she almost let out a squeak in surprise; thankfully was able to control the urge. Harry and Ginny departed as to give their attention to Mr. Gumboil, leaving Hermione and Draco alone. He asked if she had spoken with everyone she had desired to speak to this evening. "I honestly don't know if there would be anyone else. I only started working at the Ministry a couple of months ago, so I don't know too many people yet." She looked around, hoping she didn't see anyone she would feel compelled to talk to. She would rather have the rest of the evening uninterrupted.
"Well, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I'd not have believed it." A familiar voice came from behind them. "I almost still don't believe what I am seeing, although it is a pleasant sight indeed."
"Professor McGonagall?" Hermione voiced as she turn around to confirm the voice she recognized. "Professor! What a pleasant surprise! It is wonderful to see you here!" Hermione said as she greeted the elder professor of and Headmistress of Hogwarts
. . . . . . .
At Hermione's mention of having only been working at the Ministry for the past couple of months, the realization came to Draco that she must have not taken the sabbatical year of travel like they had discussed previous as work associates. Then came to his ears from behind him a familiar voice that made him think about with withdrawing his arm form Hermione's waistline. He decided to keep it their loosely, which would allow Hermione to move away should she decide to formally greet their previous professor and headmistress. "Headmistress McGonagall, you are looking well." Draco greeted formally, though the smile that crept out from the corner of his lips was rather charming. He had been arrogant toward the older witch through the years, but she did allow him to return to Hogwarts after everything that happened.
Minerva's eyes were bright with adoration. How wonderful! It is ever so good to see you both. Professor Flamel boasts a plenty about your achievements in the field of Alchemy Mr. Malfoy. Well done." She informed Draco. Draco was surprised to hear such news. His left eyebrow arched up and his lips formed a silent 'hmm' look for a moment. "Well that is high praise coming from him. I will have to make sure I send him an owl."
"And you Ms. Granger whispers are saying that you are on your way to doing some forwarding work in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Mark my words young lady, I could see you becoming the Minister of Magic someday." She said paying Hermione compliments in her own achievements.
. . . . . . .
Hermione leaned in close to the headmistress and whispered, "Who's to say that's not my goal?" The two had a knowing chuckle before Minerva continued. "Well I must be going now. I'm not here for pleasure unfortunately. I'm looking for new educators. We have one or two professors considering retirement soon. Professor Sprout of Herbology for one." She looked between her former students. "I don't suppose either of you might know of someone who might take on a professor position?"
Hermione paused a moment to ponder and voiced, "Neville Longbottom, perhaps? He excelled at Herbology. He might have an interest in teaching the subject."
. . . . . . .
Draco shook his head. He hadn't been in contact with any of his fellow Slytherin classmates since graduation. Running into Hermione during her mission had been the first time in five years that he had seen or heard from another of his follow Hogwarts class of students.
"Splendid suggestion Ms. Granger. I will inquire with Mr. Longbottom. Farewell, both of you." She said and departed. Draco bid her a polite nod of departure. Part of him felt a suddenly longing to see professor Snape as Headmaster again, or just as a Potions professor even. The man was Draco's godfather after all and had done what Draco couldn't do. In doing so saved Draco's soul from endless torment and probably a life in Azkaban prison.
Draco had been worried about attending a Ministry party. For the past five years he had avoided the Ministry and England to avoid the past. Now that he was back in the mists of it all, it seemed like he had no reason to worry. But perhaps his success as an Alchemist had helped him gain the respect that his father had shadowed over the Malfoy family.
Draco leaned in and whispered to Hermione, "Well this has been surprisingly bearable, seeing all these once familiar faces. However, I desire to have your undivided attention. Perhaps we can depart, only if you are ready to leave from this social gathering?" he asked, letting her decide to stay or go.
. . . . . . .
Hermione waved goodbye to her former professor. She really missed Hogwarts. It had been her gateway to the life she had no. It was impossible for her to imagine what she would have done had she not been a witch. Perhaps become a dentist like her parents? Though she was glad she attended Hogwarts, it wasn't in her passions to become a professor. Draco voiced the urge for them to leave. "I'm not against the idea of leaving. Where would you suggest we go?" Excited and nervous around a gentleman friend weren't emotions Hermione was used to being. For some reason, well several reasons actually, Draco had that effect on her.
. . . . . . .
Draco could think of a few places they could go. Back to her home was tempting; but too informal for a first date. The Manor was no place to celebrate the New Year. So his mind settled on the best place in the whole city to see the fireworks show at midnight. "I know just the place." He said, giving her waist a moment of firm grasp to silently prepare her for apparation.
He apparated them to a wizard arrival spot of the ocean side pier in London. The streets were bustling with foot traffic as people went about their way to the various celebration festivities. He released and took hold of her hand and led them to a more quiet section of the docks. There was a ferry readied to take passengers and a cruise was coming in to port. He led them to a luxurious cruiser boat. After a few words and a exchange of money Draco and Hermione stepped onto the cruiser.
The captain drove them out to the middle of the bay. The lights of the city in full view and the ferris wheel all lit up in full glory. He took notice of the time, midnight was approaching soon. "I can assure you, this is the best place to see the fireworks come midnight." He promised, his eyes admiring everything about her.
. . . . . . .
Curious as to where their destination was, Hermione could hardly stand the anticipation that built up inside of her. She stayed silent until she saw the boat Draco was planning on renting. "Oh, this will be fantastic." She said as she took Draco's hand as he helped her into the boat.
The sky was clear; starlight twinkled throughout the great expanse. It was a sight she hadn't taken the time to appreciate in a long while. All the familiar constellations she could find took her back to her childhood when her parents took her camping. Her father taught her all the constellations; Orion, Virgo, Ursas Major and Minor and so on.
Draco's voice brought her back to the present. "I don't doubt it, you can see everything from here!" She looked at him and saw he was transfixed on something. Well she could see it was here, and couldn't help but smile. "Draco, you are staring. A penny for your thoughts?"
. . . . . . .
Her voice brought his attention back to full focus. Well full focus of the surroundings anyways and not just her. "I am just admiring the view…" He told her, that charming smirk of a smile peeking out of the corner of his lips.
His mouth opened to say more and then he hesitated as another thought clearly dominated, "What is a penny?"
. . . . . . .
Warmth rushed across Hermione's face. She knew what 'view' he was talking about and almost made a return comment when he asked about what a penny was. She couldn't contain her laughter. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh. The phrase 'a penny for your thoughts' is simply a way of asking what is on someone's mind. A penny is a type of muggle currency, specifically American similar to our Knut. It originated in America, but made its way to Europe after some time."
. . . . . . .
His smile only grew bigger when he managed to make her cheeks flush scarlet. And then she was laughing. It was a beautiful sound. And then her laughter turned hysterical. He would have found this hilarious; except for the fact he was still trying to understand what was so funny. All he had asked about was a Penny. She must have seen the confusion on his face and explained.
"Muggles are so peculiar. It seems ridiculous to give currency with such low value in order to coax someone to say their thoughts." He replied, reflecting on a few incidences with this father passing a few galleons around to individuals who he used as informants to get information he wanted from them to only tell him, instead of going elsewhere.
There were other more invasive ways to get thoughts from individuals but that did not need to be discussed right now. The echo across the water reached his ears. It was a countdown to midnight. He looked at Hermione and said,
10
"Hermione..."
9
"That favor…"
8
"I mentioned in…"
7
"my letter…"
6
"earlier…"
5
"I am…"
4
"able…"
3
"to show…"
2
"you…"
1
A sonic boom echoed through the wind and a moment later the sky erupted with thousands of firework lights. He turned and took notice of it for only a moment. He turned his full attention back to her. His hand reached out and rested on her waist; the other cupped her cheek lightly, as he leaned in and placed his lips against hers.
. . . . . . .
Hermione was about to comment how odd the wizarding world seemed to her when she first was introduced, when she heard the countdown begin across the water. She looked into Draco's hauntingly grey eyes as he spoke over the echo counting down the seconds. As Draco embraced her, holding her close made Hermione feel like she was melting. An intense heat erupted inside her as their lips met. Everything turned black around them; nothing else mattered anymore.
Her lips tingled and her heart was pounding inside her chest as she kissed him in return. Her lips acted with fervor unlike anything she had experienced before. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders and buried her fingers in his hair. It was soft and silky, much like his lips. Her lips formed a smile against his own.
. . . . . . .
Draco felt a fiery storm ignite within him when his lips met hers. Gone was the sounds of the fireworks, the hum of the boat engine, or the slosh of the ocean waves. His lips tingled and the hand that contact with her cheek heated with warmth that was electrifying. And when her fingers entangled themselves into his hear, bloody hell he almost groaned in ecstasy. Every other woman who had done so had caused nothing but silent enduring irritation. When Hermione did it, Merlin's beard he never wanted her to let go.
The hand that grasped her waist had a mind of its own as it traveled down to her hip and pulled her closer against him. The way her body felt against his was to the level that for a moment he resented the clothing that separated them from further skin to skin contact.
He recognized that building resentment as a signal to slow down. Feeling a smile spread across her lips he took that as an opportunity to withdraw and look at her face. It was a smile unlike any he had seen before. It was radiant with telling of desire and joy. Her dark brown eyes gleamed as the finale of fireworks lit up the entire sky. "Happy New Year, Hermione Granger." He said dropping the hand that once rested on her cheek down her arm so she could grasp her hand. The gentle sway of the boat reminded him that they were on their way back to the dock.
. . . . . . .
When Hermione's gaze met his she could see the same thing he undoubtedly saw in her eyes. The passion and ecstasy unleashed by that mind-numbing kiss. "Happy New Year, Draco Malfoy." She grasped his hand as it entwined with hers. It was a fool's errand to wish that if she simply kept a hold of his hand in hers that the night would never end.
As the boat made its way to the dock Hermione broke the comfortable silence between them by saying, "So…does it really count as granting a favor if I wanted it just as much as you did? Surely I should grant you one more out of good faith?"
. . . . . . .
His left eyebrow arched up and a thoughtful look crossed his facial features at her statement. His stomach fluttered at the notion that she had wanted that just as much as he did. It was like being a teenager all over again, but significantly better than any of the experience he had during his youth. "A favor granted that has mutual benefit for both individuals involved is still a favor. But, I will accept your offer of one more as a sign of good faith." He agreed as the body came to a stop at the landing dock.
Draco helped Hermione off the boat and the sudden realization of the night coming to a close reached the forefront of his mind. The unfamiliar feeling of reluctance was almost primal. Still in a moment they apparated and he delivered them to her home at the end of the walkway that led to her front door. He knew he needed to say something, anything. Merlin's pants none of his other dates had been this nerve racking. "Thank you for allowing me the honor of accompanying you tonight…" He managed to say as they reluctantly walked towards her front door.
How could he tell her that not only had he acknowledged his strong feelings for her but that he had interacted with many of the witches and wizards of the Ministry that once revered his father? He had purposely chosen a career and location that was far away from his father's past. He hadn't thought he could face the prejudice looks of those in the Ministry who held the Malfoy's in low regards. But with her beside him it had been done. He felt like an odd weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Like he would be able to walk around the Leaky Cauldron or Diagon Alley against someday and feel proud inside and out. Not just the outward confidence he boasted all the time.
. . . . . . .
Draco took her back to her home, a place she was hoping to avoid just yet. Her mind was racing to find a valid excuse to not end the evening; but nothing would have worked. Being a holiday, any business would have been closed and it was just a bit too cold outside to go walking, seeing as she was only wearing a dress and a shrug.
When he spoke as they approached her door, she snapped back to reality. "I'm glad you came." Not just to the party but to me, she thought to herself and added, "I had a wonderful evening. Really, it was fantastic." Her cheeks felt like they were going to burst with how read they'd gotten. Without thinking, when they came to a stop upon approaching her door, she reached up and cupped Draco's face in her hands and kissed him. It was a short and sweet kiss, but when she withdrew she didn't let go. "I want you to know, even when you were so rotten towards me, I took as a challenge to learn everything I could about the new world I had become part of. I despised you at first, but after a while…I wanted to show you that a so called mudblood could do anything a pureblood could do. In a silly way, I thought academic success would win me respect. I soon learned that wasn't the case, spending so much time studying and little time socializing in reality had the opposite effect."
She took a deep breath and lowered her hands. "I don't know why I am telling you this. I guess I'm just glad you…" She looked away, unsure of what word she desired to say. She had hope Draco would say something where in this moment she could not.
. . . . . . .
The deliberately slow walk they made toward her front door was apparent to both of them. She replied that she had a fantastic time. "Good. I had a fantastic time as well." He voiced as they came to a stop at her door. Suddenly her hands were on his face and lips brushed against his. It was a tender kiss. His lips tingled at the soft contact, reminding him that there was a deeper spark of attraction to be explored should this turn into a serious relationship.
He listened intently when she withdrew and spoke on thoughts of the past. "I suppose you are glad that I am better then I was back then. I am who I am today because of this." He stated and used his right hand to move left sleeve of her shrug, revealing her mudblood scar. "When this happened; it made me realize I had been wrong my entire life. Obviously it didn't change me enough to choose right over choosing survival during the final battle, because I was a coward. But I was and still am deeply sorry for this…" he touched her scar with his hand, "I was part of the reason this happened to you. I was part of the reason you had to endure this pain. I was part of the reason others were hurt. I was part of the reason Fred Weasley and others died. Even thought I am better than I was, that does not mean I deserve respect or friendship or anything else; especially from you." He said, his voice so haunted and his eyes so distant with memories and emotions from the heavy discussion that had come up.
He had attended Fred's funeral. He had secretly found the twins' quite funny. He didn't have the courage to be seen so when everyone cleared he said his sorry to a headstone and finally allowed himself to cry over just how wrong he had been and how he had been a part of the reason Fred and others had died. He had cried for all those who had been hurt and cried because he was so full of regret that could never be undone.
. . . . . . .
She nodded in a shy manner when Draco finished her thought for her. Over the years, she realized that Draco and Harry were so similar to one another, possibly why they butted heads so much. They both had a legacy thrust upon them. Both were part of opposing organizations. Both famous and had influence on certain people. Both used by adult authority figures to do things that nobody should have to do. Both were survivors of circumstance. She could see that Draco's past haunted him. The desperation to leave the ministry party that he thought he'd hidden wasn't lost to Hermione's perception. She'd figured long ago that he'd chosen to work in Egypt simply to get away from those who would rather hold onto to the past grievances; rather than see present actions. It hurt Hermione to know this about him.
She shuddered as he ran his fingers across her scar. A battle scar, a war wound, a 'badge of courage' some called it. But she did feel a prick of shame every so often when she would habitually run her fingers over it. She wasn't quite sure why that was though. She'd proven herself to be just as keen a witch as any other. Perhaps it was shame that there were still people who viewed her as less of a person because of her lineage. But one thing was for sure, Draco wasn't one of them. "Though what you say is true, I don't blame you one bit. If anyone is to blame, it is Voldemort. If it weren't for him, who knows what might have been. But still the harm others endured, the deaths, the scars we carry…" She motioned to her arm, "…I don't blame you for. I don't know how much this will mean to you, but I can see you blame yourself, so I want you to know something."
She took Draco's hands and held them firmly as she gazed into his eyes. "I forgive you."
. . . . . . .
Draco couldn't believe the words he heard coming out of her mouth. He didn't deserve forgiveness, yet she was willing to do so. Her compassion, empathy, and ability to forgive the likes of him; she was too good for him and he knew it. But he didn't care. He wanted to pursue a relationship with her if she wanted to as well. Judging by the kiss they shared earlier she didn't likely mind the idea of them dating.
He couldn't just hold her hands any longer. He let them go and wrapped his arms around her into a hug, "Thank you." He said simply. He didn't know what else to say, but it felt like everything that needed to be spoken had been said. He held her for a long moment and then let go, his facial features back to his usual stoic yet charming persona. "I am returning to the Alchemy Centre tomorrow, well technically speaking today. I would like to go on another date with you very soon Hermione, if you aren't opposed to it?" He asked kindly, leaving her the choice to accept, decline, or give him a rain check because long distance relationships weren't for everyone; he respected that. Blood hell he had a feeling if she didn't want to do a long distance that he would move back to England in a heartbeat if that's what it took to court Hermione.
. . . . . . .
The hug wasn't unexpected. If Hermione had been in his shoes, she was sure she'd need a hug as well. She simply stood there, embracing him. Draco recomposed himself and stepped back, announcing his plans for the next morning and his offer to Hermione. She was slightly disappointed that he was leaving so soon, but thought better about mentioning it. "I'm off on weekends, so any time you can pry yourself out of your office, I'd be thrilled to go on a date. You have an office, right? I think I remember you saying something about wanting one." She gave him a sly wink, desperately holding back the excitement of being asked out on another date.
. . . . . . .
Draco nodded his head, "Sometimes I think you would have made a cunning Slytherin. I owe you a favor for that letter of recognition. Use it well." He teased, though his voice had an undertone that was haunting and serious.
The discussion of a second date gave him an idea, "I can manage to leave my office on the weekend. Meet me at St. Paul's Cathedral on Saturday morning at 11am?" He asked her, anticipation building up in his stomach.
. . . . . . .
Hermione shrugged, "Slytherin, no. Ravenclaw, maybe. I give credit where credit is due, If they deserve it. I know where my limits end and where others begin." She slid the sleeve of her shrug back down her arm. "St. Paul's Cathedral?" Hermione's eyebrow rose suspiciously, "I can make it, but why there?" There were all sorts of reasons why it would be an interesting place to meet. The excellent baroque architecture, the artwork, the history but Draco didn't seem like the type to be enthusiastic about muggle religion.
. . . . . . .
Draco smirked. It wasn't often that Hermione Granger had to ask why because she didn't know. It made him feel absolutely cheeky. "You get to find that out on Saturday. Good night." He said lifting her hand to his lips to give it an affectionate kiss and departed before she could insist on him giving her a proper answer. They had known each other for over a decade, but still he felt proper courtship etiquette was to be upheld.
He apparated back to the Manor to rest and then return to the Alchemy Centre as planned. Suddenly five days felt like a very long time before he would see her again.
. . . . . . .
For a moment Hermione was upset that Draco didn't give her a proper answer, but then giddy joy came over her like a tsunami. She rushed inside, the exhaustion he felt now gone with a flood of energy. She wasn't sure what to do about it. She had no one to talk to at the moment, since Crookshanks looked perturbed that his slumber was disrupted. So all Hermione could do was squeal like a school girl. "Great Godric, what should I wear on Saturday?"