New Foundations
Draco’s POV
The evening had drawn to a close, and the office was finally empty, save for the two of them. Draco sat behind his desk, his thoughts still lingering on the conversation from earlier. There was something undeniably different now, something more, between him and Hermione. But he couldn’t help feeling a little unsettled, even though the shift felt so natural.
She takes a seat in front of him, her movements graceful and easy, like she’d done a hundred times before. But tonight, it felt different. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something about the way she moved—so confident, yet so effortlessly at ease—made him realize how much he had come to depend on her presence.
“I'll sit here and keep you company. Do you need help with that?” Hermione’s voice broke through his thoughts, light but full of that teasing lilt he couldn’t resist.
“I’ve got it under control,” he replied, though there was a warmth to his voice that wasn’t usual for him. “But I’ll gladly take a distraction.”
She smirked, making her way around his desk and sitting across from him. “A distraction, huh?” she teased, arching an eyebrow. “And here I thought I was just here to check up on you.”
“Always the responsible one,” Draco said, shaking his head, though he couldn’t help but smile at her. “But I think the distraction is just what I need. You don’t mind, do you?”
She laughed, the sound light and easy. “What kind of wife would I be if I didn’t keep my husband entertained?”
The word husband hit him like a wave. For all the time they had spent together, the word still felt like a promise, an anchor he hadn’t fully allowed himself to accept. But as he looked at her, something shifted in his chest. He didn’t mind it.
“Wife, huh?” he said, the smile still tugging at his lips. “I thought you’d always be Granger to me, no matter what.”
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Oh, you’re still calling me Granger?” she teased. “I think you need a reminder, Draco.”
She leaned in just a little closer, her smile soft but firm. “It’s Malfoy now.”
The words struck him, almost startling him for a second. She was right. Hermione Malfoy—he still had to get used to that. But hearing her say it like that, with such certainty, something in him softened. It was a declaration. An acceptance of everything they had become.
“Well, I suppose I’ll have to get used to it,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost intimate. “Malfoy, then.”
Her smile deepened, and there was something in her gaze that made him feel like this wasn’t just a small shift—it was a beginning. A promise.
Hermione’s POV
She wasn’t tired, not exactly, but the events of the past week—Michael’s visit and the way Draco had reacted—had left a strange, lingering feeling in her chest. She had never expected things to be so complicated, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized that maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t so complicated after all.
Hermione stood by Draco’s chair, gathering her things, the weight of the day inevitably settling in. She decides to head home and wait for Draco to finish his day.
As she is about to head toward the door, Draco’s voice stopped her. “You’re not just going to leave without... a goodbye?”
She turned, surprised but amused by his tone. Of course, he had to throw in a little drama. “Well, I wasn’t planning on it,” she said, smirking as she moved closer to him. “But since you asked so nicely…”
She couldn’t help herself—there was something about him tonight, something soft and unguarded that made her want to tease him, to keep this playful energy alive between them.
“You’re awfully confident tonight, Granger,” Draco said with a small, amused smirk, his eyes twinkling with something more. “I thought I’d be the one telling you goodbye.”
Hermione raised an eyebrow, keeping up with the playful tension. “You’re still calling me Granger?” she asked, her voice teasing but with an edge of affection.
Draco’s grin softened slightly. “I’m just getting used to it. But it’s Malfoy now, right?”
Hermione’s lips curved into a knowing smirk, and she leaned in just a bit closer, her voice quieter. “I believe that is the last name of the guy I married recently.”
Draco’s shakes his head then his expression shifts, his eyes darkening slightly as if processing the weight of the words. “Malfoy, huh? Sounds really familiar” he utters.
She stepped closer to him, not wanting to leave without leaving a mark on the moment. “Yep,” she said softly, her gaze locking with his. “Malfoy. And you’d better get used to it.”
He took a small step forward, his gaze softening as he stared at her, his lips curling into the faintest of smiles. “I think I’m starting to,” he whispered, his voice low, almost intimate.
Hermione’s breath caught at the way he looked at her. There was something in his eyes—something raw and honest—that made her pulse quicken. She didn’t want to leave without making the moment last a little longer.
She leaned in then, brushing her lips lightly over his cheek—more of a breath than a touch. It was quick, almost like a ghost, but it left Draco frozen for a moment, his eyes wide in pleasant shock.
As she pulled away, she flashed him a playful grin. “Goodnight, Draco,” she said, her voice light, almost breathless. “Don't keep me waiting too long.”
Draco stood still, a surprised smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Goodnight,” he muttered, still in a daze. “Malfoy.”
He watched her leave, the air still charged with the remnants of the kiss she had left him with. It lingered on his skin, and for the first time in a long while, Draco felt like something new was starting between them—something he wasn’t ready to define just yet, but something that felt just right.
Hermione’s POV
After the events of the day, Hermione couldn’t help but feel like Draco needed a bit of a break—a chance to step away from the constant weight of responsibility that he carried on his shoulders. He had been so focused, so serious lately, and she thought it might do him some good to unwind a little.
She considered it for a moment, tapping her chin thoughtfully. What would make him loosen up? Her mind wandered to the few times they’d spent together outside of work, the moments when he had laughed easily, when she had seen glimpses of the Draco Malfoy she knew from Hogwarts—the one who had a little more life to him, who wasn’t always so controlled.
Then it hit her.
Blaise and Theo.
Hermione smiled to herself. She hadn’t spent much time with Draco’s friends outside of work, but she knew enough to realize they were a major part of his life. What better way to help Draco unwind than by inviting them over for dinner? Maybe the night would give her the chance to bond with his friends and—hopefully—convince Draco to loosen up.
She turned quickly to her desk, pulling out some parchment and grabbing a quill. She wrote a quick note to Blaise and Theo, inviting them for dinner at the Manor that evening. It would be a surprise for Draco, but she had a feeling he wouldn’t mind. After all, it would give him a chance to relax, surrounded by familiar faces.
She signed the note and sent the owl off, feeling pleased with herself. Now we wait.
Draco’s POV
Draco returned home after a quiet, contemplative day at work. His mind kept returning to the quiet moments he shared with Hermione, the way she’d leaned in so close during their goodbye, the soft, teasing kiss she’d left on his cheek. Every time he thought about it, a strange feeling settled in his chest—something warm, something unsettling in the best way.
When he entered the Manor, the air smelled different. It wasn’t the usual scent of the house-elves’ usual fare that greeted him—it was something new, something unfamiliar. The scent was mouth-watering, but there was something distinct about it. He couldn’t quite place it, and that alone made him pause.
“Hermione?” he called, hanging up his coat, the mystery of the smell nagging at his mind. “What is that smell?”
He followed the scent into the large, open space where the kitchen was situated, only to find Hermione standing there, looking up from a letter she was writing. She smiled at him with a knowing expression, clearly pleased with herself.
“Something new,” she said, raising an eyebrow as she gestured toward the house-elves. “I thought we’d try something different tonight.”
Draco stepped closer, his curiosity piqued. “Something different?” He inhaled deeply again, trying to identify the scent. “It smells amazing. But... not what we usually have.”
Hermione laughed softly. “I asked the house-elves to prepare something a little outside of the usual. A new recipe. I thought it might be nice to switch things up. Don’t you think it smells good?”
Draco couldn’t help but agree. The aroma was rich and savory, but different from what he was used to at the Manor. “I’ll admit, this is... unusual. But in a good way.”
Hermione smiled, clearly pleased with his reaction. “Good. I thought you’d like it.”
Just then, the Floo fireplace rang, and Draco glanced at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. “What’s this now?”
“Oh, I didn’t tell you?” Hermione grinned mischievously. “I invited Blaise and Theo over for dinner. I thought it’d be fun to get everyone together.”
Draco’s surprise was evident, though he quickly masked it with a casual smile. “Blaise and Theo? You’re full of surprises tonight.”
“They’re good for you,” Hermione teased. “You need to loosen up.”
Draco smirked, his usual sharp edge returning. “I’m plenty loose, thank you very much.”
She shot him a playful look as she made her way to answer the door. “We’ll see about that.”
Draco’s POV
The two men entered with their usual boisterous energy, immediately making themselves comfortable. Theo was the first to speak, grinning widely as he looked around the Manor. “Well, well. This is a change of pace. Looks like Malfoy finally got himself a real dinner.”
Draco rolled his eyes. “I can appreciate more than just fine wine and ridiculous decor, Theo. Occasionally I like something different.”
Hermione couldn’t help but smile at the banter. “That’s exactly what I thought,” she said, moving to join them. “So, I requested a little variety tonight. I hope you’re both okay with trying something new.”
Blaise raised an eyebrow. “What exactly did you request?” He glanced at Draco, then back at Hermione. “Is Malfoy actually stepping outside his comfort zone?”
“I do it from time to time,” Draco remarked dryly, though his smile was softening. “Only when absolutely necessary.”
After taking their seats, Draco leaned back in his chair, the evening unfolding in a way he hadn’t quite expected. It had started off as just a quiet dinner with Hermione, but now, with Blaise and Theo around, things had become a lot more... lively. Hermione’s plan to surprise him with a change in their usual routine was working, and though he’d initially been skeptical, he found himself actually enjoying the company. Even Theo’s relentless teasing had a way of pulling him out of his usual seriousness.
As they settled into the meal, Blaise and Theo began to regale stories from their Hogwarts days, and Hermione listened intently, laughing and joining in on the fun. But of course, Theo wasn’t about to let Draco off the hook that easily.
“So, Malfoy,” Theo said, leaning back in his chair with a grin that made Draco narrow his eyes. “How’s married life treating you? I bet Granger—I mean Malfoy—is keeping you on your toes.”
Draco groaned, rubbing his temples. “Not this again, Theo.”
Hermione’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she glanced at Draco. “He does seem to enjoy pushing your buttons, doesn’t he?”
Theo’s grin only grew wider. “Oh, I do enjoy it. But seriously, Malfoy, you’ve had a wife for how long now? You’ve got to tell us, is she living up to the hype?”
Draco’s jaw tightened, but there was a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “And what exactly do you think the ‘hype’ is, Theo?”
Blaise chuckled, watching the exchange with mild amusement. “Theo’s been dying to know, mate. Come on, spill. How is it having a Granger—I mean, Malfoy—around the Manor? You do live together now, don’t you?”
Theo leaned in, clearly enjoying the way Draco was squirming. “Tell me she doesn’t drive you absolutely crazy at least once a day, Draco. I dare you.”
Draco’s patience, as always, was wearing thin. “I’m starting to regret inviting you two over,” he said dryly, though he couldn’t suppress the small laugh that escaped him.
Hermione, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth, looked over at Draco with a teasing smile. “What’s the matter, Draco? Don’t like hearing the truth?”
Theo leaned even closer to Draco, a wicked grin on his face. “Admit it, Malfoy, she’s perfect for you. You’ve never looked happier than when you’re getting on each other’s nerves.”
Draco shot Theo a pointed look, the slightest hint of exasperation in his eyes. “I’m not admitting to that. But I’ll tell you what, Theo—if you don’t lay off, I’m going to start telling Hermione about your little crush back in school.”
Hermione raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this new information. “A crush, Theo? Do tell.”
Theo immediately blushed, his usual confidence faltering. “I think we’ve talked enough about that, Granger,” he muttered, clearly trying to divert the conversation.
Draco smirked, enjoying the rare sight of Theo flustered. “I think we need to hear more, don’t we?”
Hermione chuckled, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Oh, I think we do. Come on, Theo. You owe us the full story.”
Theo groaned, his head falling back dramatically. “You two are insufferable,” he muttered, but Draco could see the faintest smile tugging at his lips. He knew when to pick his battles.
As the teasing continued, Draco couldn’t help but feel the tension start to melt away. For all the pushing and prodding, it felt good to be surrounded by friends again. Hermione had brought them together, and for the first time in a while, he felt like himself—like the person he used to be, before everything became so complicated.
Just as Draco was about to respond to another jab from Theo, the Floo fireplace rang, cutting through the banter. Everyone paused, and Draco looked up, confused. “Who’s that?” he asked, glancing toward Hermione.
The door to the dining room opened with a sharp creak a few moments later, and Pansy Parkinson walked in, arms crossed, her lips curling into a smirk.
“Well, well,” Pansy said, her gaze scanning the room with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. “Am I interrupting something? Or are you finally gracing the Manor with a social event, Draco?”
Draco’s heart sank. He had hoped for a peaceful evening, but Pansy was nothing if not a master at ruining such things. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Hermione was already stepping in, her voice firm and unyielding.
Draco froze, the warmth of the evening suddenly slipping into discomfort. “Pansy,” he began, his voice tight, but he didn’t finish his sentence. He was about to tell her to leave when Hermione spoke up before he could.
“Pansy, if you’re going to come into our home uninvited, you could at least be polite,” Hermione said, her voice calm but firm. She wasn’t about to let Pansy’s usual antagonism take over her evening, especially not in her own home.
Pansy’s gaze flicked to Hermione, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Our home?” she echoed, the sarcasm evident in her voice. “How quaint. I didn’t realize you were so attached, Granger.”
Hermione didn’t flinch. Her voice didn’t raise, but it was steely as she addressed Pansy. “Yes, our home. And I would appreciate it if you respected the space we’ve made here. If you can’t do that, you’re welcome to leave.”
Draco opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione beat him to it. She stood firm, her stance unyielding, as she looked Pansy straight in the eye. “You’ve made your point. Now, you need to leave.”
Pansy looked taken aback by Hermione’s sudden confidence, but there was no mistaking the challenge in her eyes. “You’re not in charge here, Granger,” she sneered.
“I am when it comes to my home,” Hermione replied without hesitation. “So, unless you’re planning on behaving, I’ll kindly ask you to leave.”
Draco stood, surprised but not displeased by how Hermione had handled the situation. “You heard her, Pansy,” he said, his tone finally a little sharper. “Go.”
Pansy’s lips twisted in annoyance, but she didn’t argue. With a curt nod, she turned and left, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. The door slammed shut behind her, leaving the room quiet once more.
Draco let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “I didn’t expect that,” he said, his voice filled with admiration. “You handled her better than I ever could.”
Hermione smiled softly, her eyes meeting his with a quiet determination. “I’ve had enough of people walking all over me, Draco. Especially in my own home.”
He smiled back, his gaze warm. “I don’t think anyone will try it again.”