Draco received her letter Friday morning while he ate his breakfast. It made him instantly smile when he read that she was going to do some research on blood-borne curses. That was the Hermione Granger he had known for many years; the 'insufferable' bookworm extraordinaire.
Draco liked to believe he was amazing at anything he set his mind to doing. Or at the very least he had enough patience and determination to become amazing at it. As he learned when he fixed the Vanishing Cabinet and brewed the perfect universal solvent potion.
At the conclusion of reading her letter he felt Cornish pixies in his stomach with anticipation for what was to come. Reginald was looking for a place to perch. Draco shifted Aquila off hers and wrote a quick note.
Dearest Hermione,
'Woah, wait where did that come from?' he thought to himself and paused; contemplating on starting over. He decided to leave it be. She sent him apparent affection through her gesture of a bit of perfume and using the word 'dear', he could be at least a bit more personal in his greeting. He continued on.
I am glad to report that you are an enjoyable bookworm to me now. Through our school years you were insufferable, but even I couldn't deny your brilliance at book worming. I am not the least bit surprised that you immediately jump to doing research on a topic that is unfamiliar to you. Good luck. I've never cared enough to seek out information on the matter.
Enjoy your 'girls night' with Ginerva. I look forward to seeing you very soon.
Sincerely, D. M.
He sealed it and sent it off with Aquila. Allowing the very tired Reginald to rest his wings and depart when the owl deemed ready.
Draco had a hard time deciding what to wear. He wore suits for everything really except for bed. He wanted something upper casual, but nothing too formal. He didn't own anything casual. He hadn't worn a pair of shorts since he was a lad. He went with a pair of dark blue business slacks with a white collared shirt with the top button released and a grey long sleeved jumper cardigan. No tie, definitely a sign of informality.
Work was…well work. But overall he was in a very good mood as he knew Saturday was on the morrow. Hermione going out with Ginerva made him reflect on the last time he had seen or spoke with any of his 'friends' from school. His career had made it so keeping contact with them was not something he did ordinarily. Perhaps he would reach out to Zambini next time he was in London. Then again, he might be too busy keeping company with Hermione. An idea he did not mind at all. Sleep came easily and Saturday morning arrived swiftly. Dressing, eating, and departing for the ferry first thing he was ready to see her again. The anticipation consuming him.
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Hermione's heart fluttered a tad when she read 'Dearest Hermione' in Draco's letter. 'Dearest, he said, something must be getting into that man.' She thought, whilst still perusing one of her several cookbooks before work.
She narrowed her recipe options down to five, each sounded just as fantastic as the other. However, what she was really interested in eating was her date. But she soon squelched such thoughts with the worry of Friday's work load. Friday seemed to be the most tedious, mostly because it was the day before her day off and date with Draco. But she also had the opportunity to talk with the department supervisor, Jason O'Riley. She had a transcript of what she thought should be done about six different topics that were about to go under the hammer regarding certain magical creatures, one of which being House Elves.
Hermione spoke with Jason briefly and asked him to read what she had researched in hopes of gaining favor amongst the higher ranks, as well as to show her concerns about the creatures in question. Feeling that the conversation went well enough, she went through the rest of her day feeling rather accomplished.
That evening, the only advice Hermione took from Ginny was on which dish to prepare; Beef Wellington, salad, and her mother's scones. Ginny decided to retire from their girl's night early that evening because of feeling ill. The witch speculated that it could be because she was pregnant, but Hermione didn't think flu-like symptoms were typical to those with child. As such Hermione was left with a few hours to herself and decided she might as well reply to Draco's letter.
Dearest Draco,
Thank you for the compliment, at least I'll take it as such. I admit I was a tad over enthusiastic, but at the time, I honestly couldn't help myself. It seemed many students who were of Magical Heritage didn't take an interest in their schooling, so I took it upon myself to make up for their lack of in-class participation.
As for you, I'm happy to find that you're much more enjoyable company now than you were back in school. I remember we went through that advanced Polyjuice assignment in awkward silence. I would have liked to converse with you at that time, however, I didn't think you'd want to talk about the topics I had in mind, so I stayed silent.
I'll see you tomorrow, or by the time you receive this, later today.
Sincerely yours, Hermione Granger
She sealed it and sent it off. The next day was spent cleaning her apartment and making it immaculate for her date with Draco that afternoon. She had enough time to run to the store afterwards and got the necessary ingredients for the dinner she had planned.
At 3:45pm, Hermione had just put the groceries away when a knock on the door startled her. She straightened her long skirt and made sure her red argyle sweater didn't have any stray fibers sticking out before answering the door. "Good Afternoon D—" She said and cut herself off as she opened the door to find not Draco, but Ron standing there.
"Hi, Hermione." He said timidly, "Can I talk with you?"
Hermione sighed, "I'm sorry Ron, now is not really a good time. Can it wait until tomorrow possibly?" She said keeping the door partly open she could stand in the doorway and make it apparent of not inviting him inside.
"Please Hermione? I need to talk to you. I shouldn't have waited this long." He begged as he put his hand on the door.
"Ron, please go. We can talk tomorrow. I have a guest coming any minute." She told him.
"It's Malfoy isn't it?" Ron snapped his tone accusatory. Hermione didn't appreciate it at all.
"My personal life really isn't any of your business, no matter who it is."
"It could be. I'm still your friend and I really do need to talk to you."
Hermione stepped out and closed the door behind her. "Listen Ron, yes we are friends and I respect that you are ready to talk to me. If this is about the day you were at the Potter's just after we broke it off and you said to Ginny you did something that you felt badly enough about that you were seeking her advice for, I don't know if me hearing it now is relevant. I've moved on. I like Draco. He is not like he used to be. I feel like he is his true self now and that he has a lot of compatibility to me."
This left Ron speechless. He remembered what she was referencing to, but he wasn't sure about how to respond to her declaration. By now, it was just turning 4 o'clock.
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Draco did not get Hermione's letter before he departed that morning for the ferry. It would be waiting for him upon his return to Cairo. He had some time to spend before their meeting time, since the ferry arrived early. So he went browsing for a gift to bring her. A bouquet of flowers seemed….not her. A single red rose on display in a glass case caught his eye. The old woman shopkeeper said, "This is an enchanted rose. It requires no care…in the traditional sense. It will stay radiant forever, so long as the love between you and the one you give it to remains strong." She told him.
"I'll take it." He said, pulling out a satchel of galleons. "An artifact like this is priceless." She answered. "It's not for sale? Impossible. Everything has a price. How much do you want?" HE asked arrogantly. The old woman shook her head, "There is no price on love. It is made of time, selflessness, and compromise." She told him carefully presenting the case to him. "I give this to you in exchange for your word Draco Lucius Malfoy that you will return, should the petals begin to fall." This seemed odd instead of giving money, but Draco didn't have time to argue if he wanted to reach Hermione's by 4pm. "You have my word." He said extending his hand. They shook on it and he departed from the shop with the rose in its glass case, gift wrapped.
Draco apparated to the end of her driveway at 3:59pm. When he reached the front door it was exactly 4pm and he did not like the ginger hair Weasley that came into view, along with a beautiful but exasperated Hermione. "Good afternoon Hermione." Draco announced, making his presence known. He wanted to tell Weasley to piss off, but he knew that would look bad. Hermione could handle herself. Weasley was no threat to her and Draco's growing relationship. And lastly if he wanted this relationship with her to go further, she would need to address this prominent person. Who unfortunately would be present in her life indefinitely to some degree or another. As such now as not the time for Draco to accept that, but allow her and Weasley to talk privately.
He looked at Ron and managed a cordial, "Weasley" greeting of acknowledgement. He walked passed Ron and opened the door for him to enter. "I will just put this on the table inside. Carry on." He said and felt a combination of anger towards Weasley for ruining a perfect opportunity to greet Hermione appropriately after a very long week of no contact besides letters. Yet, he knew that it wasn't just that he was upset about. Part of it was the duress the red haired git was causing Hermione. Draco had done that a plenty in school so he recognized the look on her face. He couldn't just walk past her without doing something. With his free hand he touched hers lightly giving it a reassuring squeeze, the electricity flaring over his fingertips. He hoped she would understand it as a silent gesture of his support he had for her and being okay with her addressing this now; even if he didn't like it. Still, probably enough to make Weasley jealous. That brought a smirk to peek out as he walked out of sight of Hermione and Ron to her kitchen with his gift for her and patiently waited for her company.
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"Oh, good! You're here!" Hermione said with a gentle smile to Draco as he approached. Much to her surprise Draco acknowledged Ron and silently reassured her with a touch of his hand to her own. "I'm sure Ron and I won't take long." She voiced as he courteously said for them to continue while he awaited elsewhere and departed inside.
"Well Ron…speak now I guess." Hermione stood there expecting something from Ron.
The look of irritation on Ron's face from Draco's appearance faded into nervousness as he collected his thoughts and perhaps a bit of courage before he took a deep breath and voiced, "I…I kissed Gabby, as in Gabrielle Delacour. It was a couple of years ago; a month after Louis was born. Gabby was staying at Bill and Fleur's over the summer to help her sister with the kids since Bill was often traveling for work. Mum sent me over to help Fleur with some gardening and such regularly. I stayed for dinner Gabby and I were cleaning up dishes and talked. After the kids were put to bed and Fleur also retired we had a bit of fire whiskey and ended up kissing. I felt terrible about it, she was sixteen and I twenty two and you and I had been in a long distance relationship since the year before. I apologized to her and yet...couldn't bring myself to tell you about it. I don't know why, really. The more I shoved it aside the more I ended up distancing myself from you emotionally while we were physically apart. I'm sorry Hermione. I was a git for not treating you better."
"You are blood well right you are a git." Hermione barked, causing Ron to flinch. Then she placed a hand on his shoulder and lowered her voice. "I'm sorry too. I didn't talk to you about my feelings either about the little or big things that seemed to make us not compatible enough long term during our relationship. It would be accurate to say it was both our faults, really."
She looked at him with sincerity in her gaze, "You and I both deserve to be happy, but I don't think that happiness can be found by an 'us'."
Ron slowly nodded, "Right…well, then…thanks for talking. I'll let you get on with your date…but Malfoy, really?" He said with that characteristic boyish charm of his.
"Yes, Malfoy. Get over it…eventually." Hermione said with a look of exhaustion of having to explain her taste in him one too many times perhaps. A realization came to Hermione. "Gabby is 18 now; surely you've seen her plenty of times since you two kissed. How has that gone?"
Ron's countenance brightened at the mention of seeing Gabby several times since their kiss incident. "Surprisingly well, actually. It wasn't all that awkward like I had expected. She finished school last year and comes around for the kid's birthdays and a few holidays. We talk and do wholesome stuff a lot, no whiskey involved."
"Well, if she's single why don't you ask her out on a date?" Hermione prodded.
"She is single, it's just…what am I to say about before when I apologized then; but now ask her out?" He stammered, to which Hermione said, "Tell her the truth, of course. Remind her you apologized for the slip in judgment then to such action under the influence of alcohol because she was underage; but now that she is of age if she wants to accept a proper invitation of courtship from you she can, if that is something she desires also." Hermione concluded.
Ron stepped back, "See ya around, Hermione."
"See you, Ron." She said and a moment later he disapparated, leaving her alone on the front porch. She lingered a moment, trying to decompress everything out in her mind before she returned inside and joined her awaiting companion. She found Draco sitting at the kitchen table where a wrapped parcel sat upon it. "Sorry about the delay." She voiced as she entered.
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"No need to apologize. I am sure you would have chosen a different time for Weasley to come and speak with you. At least it is done." Draco commented from his seat at the kitchen table. A brown paper wrapped parcel was on the table. He resisted the urge to rush to her. Instead he stood up and deliberately approached giving her that genuine smile that she found ever so gorgeous, as he gave her a hug. "Good afternoon, Hermione." He reiterated with more sincerity than before. Thoroughly enjoying the feel of her form against him, the scent of her hair, the light accenting musk of her perfume he recognized from her letter correspondence. When he released her from the hug he motioned toward the parcel on the table. "A gift for you."
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As Draco's arms surrounded her, Hermione felt a wave of calming energy wash over her. She squeezed gently and nodded. "A good afternoon indeed, now that you are here." She looked at the direction Draco motioned towards and saw the parcel. "Draco, you're so sweet. You didn't have to get me anything."
She went over and unwrapped the paper to reveal the most perfect rose she had ever seen in her life. "My word, it's gorgeous!" A closer examination of the flower within a glass case revealed something to her. It seemed almost too perfect for a regular rose. "Is this enchanted somehow?"
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"I know I did not have to, but I wanted to." He answered and eagerly watched as she opened it. When she asked if it was enchanted he answered, "It is. It will stay radiant indefinitely, so long as the love that is shared between the giver and the receiver remains strong." He told her, not realizing until after the conclusion of his statement that he had used the 'L' word. Bloody hell he really was falling for her, harder than he had dared to admit to himself. He wondered in that moment if such a gift and use of 'L' word rather than saying 'strong feelings' was too bold. He decided it did not matter, since he couldn't take saying such back. Part of him wasn't entirely sure he would want to take such a statement back, even if he were capable. Yes, this was technically their third date, but over a decade of knowing each other and the perfection of the gift did bring some benefits to this particular dating situation.
. . . . . . .
The sentiment of Draco's gift shot Hermione straight through the heart. "Draco, I…don't know what to say…" Her face turned bright red and she felt a tumult of emotions that surely crossed over her face.
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Draco knew Hermione didn't get flustered very often. But when she did it was a series of emotions that didn't often cross her usually confident facial features. It was interesting to cause such a reaction of her. He needed to relieve the pressure she must be feeling fast, before he ruined this date; let alone their relationship progress. "Hermione Granger doesn't know what to say, that is a first." He said with obvious jest in his tone; but became serious when he approached her side. "You don't need to say anything, Hermione. Some things are best said with time and not words." He answered giving into his urge to kiss her.
. . . . . . .
Enchanted flowers were in muggle folklore holding significance to those bequeathed. Hermione couldn't deny her own feelings that matching his own, despite being unable to articulate them. A sense of relief pacified her as Draco reassured her with his own words that nothing else needed to be said at this time. As Draco stepped closer, Hermione gave in to desire and the two of them met in a romantic embrace. Their lips met as if two halves of a whole finally came together, giving balance to the world.
. . . . . . .
The contact of their lips was infinitely better than his memory had recalled. No love potion, spell, or any type of magic could duplicate what he felt when he was with her, romantically or otherwise. The depths of these emotions were unfamiliar to him. It was more than physical attraction and compatible wits.
His hand rose to caress her cheek lightly and tease a lock of her hair. He contemplated taking a kiss a bit further when the oven made a beep noise signaling fully heated. That brought him back to reality. She had been in the mists of preparing for this evenings dinner. Reluctantly, he parted from her. Feeling an unusual combination of sensations; a feeling of satisfaction yet definitely a hint of insatiable desire. "Do I dare ask what you have planned for tonight's supper or is it to be a surprise?"
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'Damn it.' Hermione nearly cursed out loud. She had forgotten about preheating the oven. She liked to back dessert before dinner so it had time to cool during supper. She originally planned on having Draco help her with the berry scones, but she'd gotten distracted by the interaction with Ron and Draco's arrival.
She now craved something entirely different than the food of dinner she had planned. However, a pang of hunger reminded her that she never actually had lunch and would do best to eat a real meal. Draco's faux worry brought a smile to Hermione's face. "I thought I'd try beef wellington tonight. I've never made it before, so it'll be an adventure for both of us. And don't worry, it won't all be done the muggle way. I do use magic while cooking."
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'Oh, so she does expect me to help…I did promise to try it at least once. With both of us working together it would allow the work to be done faster and allow the more leisure part of the date to occur in a timely manner.' He thought to himself and sighed relief at the news of she did use magic while cooking.
"Thank Merlin you use magic. I can think of much more entertaining ways to spend a portion of our evening, then all of it over a hot oven. Beef Wellington is an excellent choice. Let's take a look." He stated as he noticed her open cook book on the kitchen counter. The recipe to make the dish had an ingredients list and six steps. It felt almost as familiar as Alchemy.
Step 1 – Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place beef in a small baking dish, and spread with 2 tablespoons softened butter. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes, or until browned. Remove from pan, and allow to cool completely. Reserve pan juices.
Step 2 – Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion and mushrooms in butter for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
"I'll take step one, you take step two? Between both of us and magic we'll be eating within the hour I suppose." He asked waiting for her approval. It was her kitchen after all.
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Hermione had gotten the recipe from her personal recipe book. It was something given to her by her mother when she moved into her current home. It contained many Granger family recipes and blank pages for more to be added.
While Draco read, she hid her smile. When he voiced about taking on the more simple task of handling the meat while she did the sauté of vegetables she couldn't help but think, 'Typical bloke.' At least he was helping. She had mentally prepared in advance to give him an ultimatum of 'if you don't help, you don't eat' if he had refused to participate. Then she looked at Draco's face. She doubted she'd be able to deny him anything at this point, really. His seeking of verbal confirmation of dividing tasks brought her back to reality and agreed.
As she set to work on her task, she could help but feel silly. Before Draco arrived, she had several topics she wanted to talk to him about, but now she had completely forgotten what those were exactly. His presence seemed to have a bit of a strange effect on her in such ways.
"You know, I was going to ask you about something, but now I can't recall what it was." She said rather absentmindedly. "I'm pretty sure it had something to do with what we were writing to each other about."
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Draco heard Hermione and thought for a moment on their correspondence of letters. "I recall the free house elf topic being left to be discussed in great detail. I was curious to hear from you what house elves would do if they were free. Would they resume their niche in serving, but require compensation? I do no mind the idea of…" He had to pause and think to phrase his coming statement correctly, "…a house elf that I hire to do the same job that my current one does, but compensate in something like clothes. That would allow him to do laundry jobs and still get compensated for his work. Would it not?"
. . . . . . .
Ah yes, the subject of house elves. "I actually interviewed nearly fifty house elves within the last few months, and I found that, although many are content serving as they always have, they do wish that they were treated better by their host families. I proposed to the head of Magical Creatures, Mr. O'Riley, of how cases of abusive families should be treated. I suggested there be some way for abused house elves to contact the Ministry to report such heinous acts so that the families may be reprimanded. First offense is a reprimand. Second, the elf is clothed and must be compensated with money. Third, the elf is relocated." Hermione sounded completely proud of herself. She was hopeful something good would come from her research and presentation of such to higher authorities.
She was nearly finished with sautéing at this point. "What I'm most concerned about is not the fact that they are enslaved, but the fact they can be abused without regard to the wizard doing so or the effects of such upon the elf. Abuse can cause mental and physical damage. Kreacher, the elf who served the Black family, was so distrustful of humans for the longest time after Harry….inherited him, I suppose. But after being shown enough kindness, he finally was able to trust us enough to willingly help with what we were doing at that time."
She removed the onions and mushrooms from the hot stove and set them aside as the two of them moved on with the other dinner preparations.
. . . . . . .
Draco removed the meat and allowed it to cool while she finished sautéing the vegetables. He read the next set of instructions and rolled out the puff pastry and placed the meat in sections for wrapping. Once the vegetables were done and placed on the meat, it was wrapped, buttered, and put back into the over for baking.
Draco had no need to comment on the abuse of house elves. He had seen his family treat their former house elf Dobby quite badly and hadn't felt it wrong then. He himself being a participant on occasion; but mostly his father. "That sounds like a reasonable proposal. Best of luck to you." He stated casually. His mind drifted back to the incident in the Manor. His Aunt, Hermione, their once house elf Dobby's heroics and his death. He hadn't really cared much for the creature, but clearly Hermione did if she was going through all this effort to make their existence more comfortable.
"I'm sorry, for Dobby, I mean. I wasn't willing to risk my life; but he risked and gave his life without hesitation and saved you all from a terrible demise. He deserved better than what he got." Draco said, coming as close to complimenting the heroic elf as he was going to get.
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Hermione paused. Draco's apology wasn't warranted, but she found it sweet of him. "Many people died senselessly during that time. Many also died honorably as heroes." Her eyes didn't meet his until she was ready to say, "Just promise me that you'll be kind to any creature you come across in the future, or if you have your own house elf, that you're kind to them as well." Her tone was stern, but understanding. She pointed a wooden spoon at him and said, "I won't accept abusive behavior…unless in a bedroom within consent and agreements."
She started on chopping the lettuce for the salad, but accidently cut her finger; since she was flustered from the bold statement made about bedroom antics. A gasp of pain and a mumbled curse brought her chopping to a sudden halt. The cut wasn't deep, but she still felt rather embarrassed about her previous statement and managed to hurt herself while trying to cook with her boyfriend.
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"I will continue to treat my house elf fairly." He promised her. The creature obeyed his requests and made himself scarce upon Draco's return, unless called for. There was no need to abuse him or interact with him all that much.
Draco's eyebrow arched as she mock threatened him with a wooden spoon and declared her statement about not accepting abuse unless it was in a bedroom under consent. He raised his hands up in submission. "Well, well, well aren't you just full of surprises. A real wonder to be explored at a more appropriate time and place."
His reaction and perhaps his seductive innuendo to her declaration brought even more flare to her already scarlet cheeks. The conversation closed and she busied herself with chopping for the salad. It seemed she was still flustered and somewhat unfocused, because she nicked her finger during the process. "Easy there, Hermione. It might be a shame to contaminate the food. I would have to find some….thing else to eat." He said unable to help himself as he withdrew a handkerchief and offered it to her if she desired.
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Even while in pain, Hermione couldn't decide which part of her was more red; the wound or her face. Her plans for a nice evening were quickly becoming replaced by plans for an evening of passion. She had a suspicion that Draco wouldn't mind. Hearing his voice, so close in proximity with that undertone of sensuality was the last straw. She took out her wand and tapped her finger, "vulnus sanadum." Which immediately stopped the bleeding. More flicks of her want set the kitchen utensils to work magically, finished the dinner for them. Then she set her sights on Draco. "Alright, I've had it! I can't concentrate on making supper when you right here so…magic can make dinner and we can pass the time another way." her face was scarlet and she couldn't think properly, which was rare for her. It seemed to occur more so when Draco was near. He was too bloody handsome for his own good, she told herself as she felt her heart go wild upon stepping closer to Draco.
Her blouse had a bit of a high collar, but a tilt of her neck allowed enough exposure that surely he could work with in a pleasing manner.
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He hadn't wanted to spend time cooking muggle style anyways. Her minor injury was an excellent reason to magically progress the rest of dinner. Draco couldn't help but allow the devilishly handsome smirk to peek across his lips when she admitted defeat to the temptation of his presence. He stepped closer to her and whispered into her ear, "Agreed." As he leaned down and placed his lips against the exposed flesh of her neck where her head had tilted to expose it just a bit.
He could smell the complimentary scent of her perfume she surely dabbed lightly on her collarbone. The rush of heat as he closed the gap between their bodies by pulling her forward with his hands on her hips. His lips peppered feather light kisses on her neck. Taking care to test different spots to gauge her sensitivity and pleasure points. "We weren't able to greet each other in a more mutual desired manner due to the presence of a certain ginger upon my arrival. This should make up for it." He explained, trying so hard to come up with a logical reason for their apparent desire of passion. He barely managed to concentrate when she was this close and his mouth was distracted.
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Draco's kisses sent shivers down Hermione's spine. It had been far too long since someone had been so intimate with her. "This more than makes up for earlier. Feel free to try to make up for perhaps what was missed out during the week." Hermione offered as she wrapped her arms around Draco.
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Draco knew not to push the physical aspect of their blooming relationship too far. His teen years had been one of slow exploration with Pansy Parkinson. His adulthood had been one of focus on his career. His relationship with Astoria had been adequate, but lacked the intensity that he and Hermione shared. He wanted to take time to explore her in mind, body, and soul. To see her as she truly was with his eyes no longer clouded by distain and prejudice.
Once she was done speaking his lips made their way up her neck, along her jaw line and met with her lips. The embers of desire that burned within him ignited into a flaming heat that made his lips tingle and his heart race. He was aware of her arms around him and that flare of resentment at their clothing being present ensued. He held off the battle of dominance and exploration he desired and eased slowly out of the kiss as he would have if he had greeted her properly upon his arrival. "Good evening, Hermione." He said, adjusting to the fact he had been there for over an hour while they (mostly she) prepared and cooked dinner the muggle way. Until the very end when they became distracted and the evening hour of 5pm struck.
She had smelled as good as or better than the scent of the beef wellington and scones that magically cooked and now set ready for dining on the table. He took a step away from her and pulled out a chair for her to sit in, awaiting her to comply.