Chapter 9
Astoria sat in the plush study of Malfoy Manor, surrounded by the rich, dark woods of the furniture and the quiet elegance that characterized their home. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the walls, but her heart felt heavier than the burden of the past.
She had just returned from a long day of charity work, organizing a fundraiser for the same causes that Hermione Granger championed. As she settled into her favorite chair, her eyes fell on a piece of parchment lying on Draco's desk—a letter, hastily folded, addressed in Hermione's unmistakable handwriting.
Astoria’s heart raced as she picked it up, a sense of dread pooling in her stomach. She knew she shouldn’t invade Draco’s privacy, but curiosity got the better of her. Unfolding the letter carefully, she began to read:
Dear Draco,
I’m not going to pretend that what we have isn’t real. It is, and I’ve tried to ignore it, but I can’t anymore. I won’t. You mean too much to me, and I refuse to let you slip away. If this is to be our secret, then let’s embrace it fully.
Yours, Hermione.
Astoria’s breath hitched, and the world around her seemed to fade. The letter felt like a knife, twisting deeper with each word. So, it was true.
But as her emotions surged—betrayal, anger, sadness—another feeling began to creep in. Fear.
Astoria’s thoughts turned inward, back to her own secret, one that felt like a dark cloud looming over her. Just days before, she had visited a healer at St. Mungo’s, desperate for answers after a series of troubling symptoms that had plagued her for months.
The healer’s words echoed in her mind. “It’s an ancient blood curse, inherited through your Greengrass lineage. I’m afraid it’s deadly, Astoria.”
The realization had shattered her; she had always thought she was strong enough to face anything life threw her way. But now, with her health on the line and a husband caught in an emotional tempest with another woman, she felt lost.
Astoria set the letter down, trembling fingers brushing against its edges. Her heart ached not only for herself but for Draco, too. He was drawn to Hermione, that much was evident, and it was a cruel twist of fate that had brought them both to this point.
She had to protect her family, protect Scorpius, and yet here was her husband, entangled in a web of secrecy and desire. Astoria knew she should confront Draco, should ask him about the letter, but how could she when her own life hung in the balance?
Taking a deep breath, she stood up and walked to the fireplace, the flickering flames reflecting the turmoil in her heart. Astoria was not only fighting for her marriage but for her very life. She couldn’t let Draco know about her illness; she couldn’t burden him with her impending fate.
As she stared into the fire, she made a decision. She would keep her sickness a secret—for now. The weight of her secret pressed heavily on her chest, but Astoria steeled herself. She would be strong for Scorpius, for Draco—she had to be. The shadows of her fears loomed large, but she refused to succumb. Not yet.
Astoria sat in the elegant dining room of Malfoy Manor, the sunlight streaming through the tall windows, illuminating the exquisite china and crystal that adorned the table. She had spent hours preparing for this lunch, knowing that the conversation ahead would change everything.
After sending an owl to Hermione, she had received a prompt reply. Hermione was nervous but willing to meet, and Astoria felt a surge of anxiety mixed with resolve. She needed to confront the woman who had unknowingly become the catalyst for so much turmoil in her life.
When Hermione arrived, she wore a cautious smile, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of apprehension. Astoria gestured for her to sit, pouring tea into delicate cups as they settled into a tense silence.
“Thank you for coming, Hermione,” Astoria said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “I know this isn’t an easy conversation to have.”
Hermione looked at her, confusion mingling with concern. “Astoria, what’s going on? Is everything alright?”
Astoria took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “I know about you and Draco.”
The words hung heavy in the air, and Hermione’s expression shifted from confusion to shock. “You—what?”
“I found the letter you wrote him,” Astoria continued, her heart racing. “I didn’t want to believe it at first, but it’s clear that there’s something between you two.”
Hermione’s eyes widened, a mix of guilt and surprise flashing across her face. “Astoria, I—”
“Please, let me finish,” Astoria interrupted softly. “I don’t want to fight with you. I just need you to understand where I’m coming from.”
Hermione nodded, her defenses lowering slightly.
Astoria leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I have my own secret, something I’ve been keeping from everyone. I found out that I’m sick—an ancient blood curse inherited from my family. The healer told me it’s deadly.”
Tears sprang to Hermione’s eyes, and she reached across the table, grasping Astoria’s hand. “Astoria, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
“I didn’t want to tell anyone,” Astoria admitted, her voice trembling. “Especially not Draco. He has enough on his plate without worrying about me. But I need you to promise me something.”
“Anything,” Hermione said, her heart aching for the woman before her.
“Promise you won’t tell him about my illness. Not now, not until I figure out what to do,” Astoria pleaded, her eyes searching Hermione’s. “I can’t have him distracted by my problems. I need him focused on our family.”
Hermione hesitated, torn between her love for Draco and her empathy for Astoria. “But what about your health? You deserve support, especially from him.”
“I know,” Astoria whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. “But I’m not ready to burden him with this. I can’t let him feel responsible or worried about me. Not when he’s been so distant.”
Hermione took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the promise settling in her heart. “I won’t tell him. I promise.”
Astoria squeezed her hand, relief washing over her features. “Thank you. I know this is all so complicated, and I hate that you’re caught in the middle.”
“I never wanted to hurt you, Astoria,” Hermione said, sincerity etched in her voice. “I didn’t plan any of this.”
Astoria nodded, wiping away a tear. “I understand. But now we’re both in a difficult situation, and we need to protect each other, even if it feels wrong.”
Hermione hesitated, her heart pounding as she contemplated how much to reveal. Astoria’s eyes were filled with an understanding that eased some of her fears. Taking a deep breath, she decided to share the truth.
“It all started at that Muggle hotel,” Hermione began, her voice trembling slightly. “It was raining, and we were both stuck inside. I thought it would just be a moment of vulnerability, a distraction from the chaos of our lives. But then… things changed.”
Astoria listened intently, her expression neutral yet compassionate. “What do you mean?”
“I never intended for it to go that far,” Hermione continued, her gaze dropping to her hands. “But when we talked, I felt this connection I hadn’t expected. And when we kissed… it was like everything else fell away. I couldn’t stop myself. I thought it was just a one-time thing, but then it happened again, and now… now I can’t help but feel that I’m falling for him.”
The confession hung heavy in the air, and Hermione felt a wave of shame wash over her. “I’m so sorry, Astoria. I never wanted to hurt you or your family. It just happened.”
Astoria took a moment to process Hermione’s words. Despite the hurt that flickered in her chest, she found herself grappling with an unexpected sense of understanding. “You don’t need to apologize to me,” she said gently. “I know how strong the pull of love can be. Even if it’s complicated and messy.”
“But you deserve so much better,” Hermione replied, tears glistening in her eyes. “You and Draco built a life together, and I’m intruding on that.”
Astoria sighed, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. “Draco and I’s marriage was arranged, Hermione. It started as a political alliance, a way to solidify family ties after the war. I loved him in my own way.”
Hermione shook her head. “That doesn’t make it right. I shouldn’t be taking him away from you, from Scorpius. You have a family.”
Astoria’s expression softened as she leaned forward. “I understand why this affair is happening. It’s as if the universe is shifting things into place, revealing what we’ve all been avoiding. Draco and I fell in love but we were just doing what was expected of us.”
“But I can’t help but feel guilty,” Hermione admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re such a good person, and I don’t want to be the reason for your pain.”
“I appreciate your honesty, Hermione,” Astoria said, her tone firm yet gentle. “And I want you to know that I still love Draco in my own way. But I also see that he’s drawn to you. I can’t deny that there’s something special between you two, something I can’t compete with.”
Hermione’s heart sank at the thought of Astoria’s acceptance. “So what do we do now?”
Astoria took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “For now, we keep this between us. I won’t tell Draco about your feelings, and you won’t tell him about my illness. It’s a delicate balance, but I think it’s the best course of action—for both of us.”
Hermione nodded slowly, grateful for Astoria’s understanding. “I promise, I won’t say a word.”
“And I won’t interfere with your relationship with him,” Astoria added, her voice steady. “But just know that I’m watching out for my family, too. I won’t let anything jeopardize Scorpius’s future.”
As the two women sat in silence, a fragile understanding began to form between them, woven from their shared pain and the secrets they carried. Despite the storm of emotions brewing between them, there was an unspoken bond forming—two women caught in a web of love, loyalty, and heartbreak, navigating the murky waters of their intertwined lives.
Weeks had passed since Hermione and Astoria had their heart-wrenching conversation, and during that time, the tension in Malfoy Manor had reached a breaking point. Astoria had been doing her best to maintain the facade of a happy marriage, but the weight of her secret and the knowledge of Draco’s affair had begun to gnaw at her resolve.
One evening, as the sun set behind the estate, casting long shadows through the grand hallway, Astoria knew it was time to confront Draco. She found him in the study, poring over documents related to his potions business. The room was dimly lit, filled with the scent of polished wood and leather-bound books, a place where they had once shared laughter and dreams.
“Draco, we need to talk,” she said, her voice steady despite the tremor of anxiety beneath it.
Draco looked up, his expression shifting from focus to concern. “What’s wrong, Astoria?”
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “It’s about us… about our marriage.”
Draco’s brow furrowed, sensing the gravity of the moment. “What about our marriage?”
“I know about you and Hermione,” Astoria said, her voice calm but her heart racing. “I found the letters, and I’ve seen how you look at her.”
The admission hung heavy in the air. Draco opened his mouth to protest, but Astoria held up her hand. “Let me finish. I’ve come to terms with it, and I think it’s time we both accept what’s happening.”
“What are you saying?” Draco asked, confusion etched on his face.
“I’m asking for a divorce, Draco,” Astoria said, her voice firm yet filled with an undercurrent of sadness. “I can’t pretend anymore. I don’t want to hold you back from what you truly want.”
Draco’s heart raced, his mind racing as he processed her words. “Astoria, I—”
“Please,” she interrupted gently. “I understand. I’ve seen how you’ve changed, how you’ve started to find happiness with her. I won’t stand in your way. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel alive.”
Draco felt a mix of relief and guilt wash over him. “Astoria, I never meant for any of this to happen. I still care about you, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me and Scorpius.”
“I know,” she replied, her voice softening. “And I appreciate your honesty. I want to be the one to handle your parents. I’ll make sure they understand that this decision isn’t a reflection of our family or of you. It’s what’s best for all of us.”
Draco studied her, admiration swelling in his chest for the woman who had always been his steadfast partner, even through the chaos. “You’re willing to do that for me?”
Astoria smiled faintly, a bittersweet expression crossing her features. “I want us both to find happiness, even if it means letting go. We’ve been through so much together, and I’ll always cherish that.”
“I can’t thank you enough,” Draco said, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve been my rock, and I’m sorry for everything. I never wanted to hurt you.”
Astoria nodded, tears brimming in her eyes but not spilling over. “I know you didn’t. Let’s just move forward with dignity and respect. Our priority should be Scorpius, after all.”
Draco reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “We’ll make this work, for him.”
Astoria squeezed his hand, finding comfort in their shared commitment to their son. “Yes, we will.”
As they sat together in the quiet study, the weight of their decisions settled around them. They both knew that the road ahead would be difficult, filled with challenges and emotions, but for the first time in a long while, there was a sense of relief in acknowledging their truth.
And as they navigated the complexities of love and family, they realized that sometimes, letting go was the first step toward finding a new beginning.
The next day, the sun filtered through the tall windows of the Ministry, casting a warm glow in Hermione's office. She was busy organizing her notes for an upcoming meeting when she heard a soft knock at the door.
“Come in!” she called, not looking up.
The door opened, and Draco stepped inside, his expression unusually serious. Hermione’s heart raced at the sight of him; she could sense that something was different today.
“Draco, what’s wrong?” she asked, setting her papers aside and focusing on him.
He closed the door behind him, his shoulders tense. “Astoria… she asked for a divorce.”
Hermione’s breath caught in her throat. “What?”
Draco ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “I went home last night, and we had a long talk. She knows about us—about everything. And instead of fighting, she’s willing to let go.”
Hermione felt a whirlwind of emotions crash over her. Relief and guilt battled within her chest. “I didn’t want this for you, Draco. I never wanted to hurt either of you.”
Draco leaned against her desk, his eyes searching hers. “Astoria understands. She said she wants me to be happy, that she won’t stand in the way of what I want anymore.”
Hermione swallowed hard, the reality of the situation settling in. “So… what happens now?”
He sighed, running his fingers along the edge of her desk. “I don’t know. I need to talk to my parents and figure out how to handle this. I don’t want Scorpius to be caught in the crossfire of any drama.”
Hermione nodded, her heart aching for both Draco and Astoria, as well as for the little boy who would feel the repercussions of their decisions. “Have you told Scorpius?”
“Not yet. I want to make sure we’re all on the same page before we break the news to him,” Draco replied, his voice heavy with concern. “But I came here because I need you to know that this changes everything for us.”
Hermione’s heart raced at the implication, but she couldn’t ignore the weight of what was happening. “Draco, are you sure this is what you want? It’s a huge decision.”
He stepped closer, his gaze intense. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. I want to be with you, Hermione. I know it’s complicated and messy, but I can’t ignore my feelings for you any longer.”
Tears prickled at Hermione’s eyes as she wrestled with her own emotions. “But Astoria… she’s been so kind to me. I can’t just forget that she’s hurting.”
“I know,” he said softly, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. “And I don’t want you to forget that. I’ll always care about her, and I’ll take responsibility for what’s happened. But I can’t deny my feelings for you. They’ve only grown stronger since we’ve been together.”
Hermione took a deep breath, her mind racing as she processed his words. “This is all so overwhelming. I need time to think.”
Draco nodded, his expression softening. “I understand. I just wanted you to know where I stand. You’re the one I want to be with, Hermione.”
As he spoke, she felt a mix of hope and fear. This was the moment they had both been inching toward, yet it felt fraught with complications. “Let’s take it one step at a time,” she finally said, her voice steadying. “We need to figure out what this means for us.”
“Agreed,” Draco said, a small smile breaking through the tension. “No pressure, just us figuring things out together.”
They shared a moment of understanding, the air thick with unspoken promises and lingering tension. As Draco turned to leave, he paused at the door. “I’ll keep you updated about Astoria and Scorpius. Thank you for being here for me, Hermione.”
With that, he stepped out, leaving Hermione to contemplate the gravity of their situation. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: their lives were about to change forever.
Later that night, Hermione’s flat was filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food as she prepared for her friends' arrival. She set the table with care, her mind racing with thoughts of the day’s revelations. The conversation with Draco had left her feeling raw, and now she was about to share the truth with her closest friends.
A few moments later, there was a knock at the door. Hermione opened it to reveal Ginny and Harry, both smiling and holding a bottle of wine.
“Evening, Hermione! We come bearing gifts!” Ginny exclaimed, holding up the wine.
“Just what I need,” Hermione said with a faint smile, stepping aside to let them in. “Thanks for coming on such short notice.”
“Of course! You know we’re always here for you,” Harry replied, setting the wine on the table. “So, what’s the big news?”
Hermione took a deep breath, her heart racing. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her. “I have something important to tell you both.”
Once they settled down with their glasses filled, Hermione gathered her thoughts. “It’s about Draco and me.”
Ginny’s eyes widened slightly, and Harry leaned forward, intrigued. “What about Draco?”
“He… he and I have been seeing each other,” Hermione admitted, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her.
Harry blinked in surprise. “You and Draco? As in Malfoy?”
“Yes, that Draco,” Ginny said, her tone surprisingly calm. “I kind of knew.”
“What?” Harry exclaimed, looking between them. “You knew, and you didn’t say anything?”
“Let her explain, Harry,” Ginny replied, giving him a reassuring look. “Go on, Hermione.”
Hermione took a deep breath. “We started this affair a few months ago, and it… it just happened. I didn’t plan for it. And now, I’ve caught feelings for him and I never thought it would turn into this.”
Harry processed her words, his brow furrowing in concern. “And what about Astoria? Isn’t she his wife?”
“Yes,” Hermione said, her voice trembling slightly. “And she recently asked for a divorce. She found out about us.”
“Wow,” Harry said, his surprise evident. “That’s… a lot to take in.”
Ginny nodded, her expression softening as she reached for Hermione’s hand. “How do you feel about all of this?”
“I feel confused and guilty,” Hermione admitted, tears brimming in her eyes. “Astoria has been so kind to me. I never wanted to hurt her. But I can’t deny my feelings for Draco any longer.”
“Hey, it’s okay,” Ginny said softly. “You’re allowed to have feelings. It’s not your fault that things ended up this way.”
“I just don’t know if I’m doing the right thing,” Hermione said, her voice shaky. “What if I’m just making everything worse? What if Draco and I don’t work out, and I end up losing him and Astoria?”
Harry leaned back, crossing his arms as he considered her words. “Hermione, you can’t control how people feel or what choices they make. All you can do is be honest with yourself and them. It’s a tough situation, but you deserve to be happy too.”
Ginny nodded, squeezing Hermione’s hand. “We’re here to support you, no matter what. If this is what you want, then go for it. But just be careful. I know you have a big heart, but it’s also important to protect yourself.”
“Thanks, Ginny,” Hermione said, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. “I just needed to tell someone. It’s been so hard keeping this to myself.”
Harry took a sip of his wine, then set his glass down. “Just know that we’ve got your back. If you ever need to talk or need help navigating this mess, we’re here for you.”
With their words of support, Hermione felt a flicker of hope amid the turmoil. The night continued with laughter and heartfelt conversations, reminding her that despite the challenges ahead, she wasn’t alone in this journey. She had friends who understood, and for now, that was enough.
The following morning, Hermione woke to the sound of her owl tapping against her window. She groggily rose from her bed, her mind still lingering on the conversations from the night before. As she opened the window to let the owl in, she noticed a rolled-up copy of the Daily Prophet secured to its leg. Taking the newspaper and unrolling it. But as she glanced at the front page, her breath hitched in her throat.
“Malfoy Divorce Shocks Wizarding World: Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass End Their Marriage”
The headline loomed large, with a striking photo of Draco and Astoria taken at a recent event, smiling and seemingly happy—though Hermione knew the truth behind that façade. She quickly scanned the article, her heart racing as it detailed the dissolution of their marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences” and highlighting their marriage being an arranged one. The piece was laced with sensationalism, mentioning whispers of infidelity and how the couple had been the subject of gossip for weeks. But nothing was as shocking as the details of their impending divorce and how it sent shockwaves through the wizarding community.
Hermione felt her stomach twist. She had hoped for a quiet transition for both Draco and Astoria, but this? This was far from private. The ramifications of their affair were unfolding before her very eyes, and she felt a heavy weight settle in her chest.
After reading through the article, Hermione set the newspaper down on her kitchen table, her hands trembling. She couldn’t shake the feeling of dread creeping in. How would this affect Draco? How would it affect Scorpius?
She took a deep breath and tried to steady her racing heart. She needed to talk to Draco. He would be hurt and angry about this public exposure, and she wanted to be there for him.
Grabbing her wand, she decided to send him an owl, hoping he would respond quickly.
Draco sat at his desk in his office, a frown etched across his face as he read through the latest correspondence regarding his business. The atmosphere was tense, his employees whispering among themselves, casting furtive glances in his direction.
He knew something was brewing when the gossip started circulating, but seeing it in print was another matter entirely. He tossed the newspaper aside, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
“Everything alright, sir?” Alice, his secretary asked, stepping into the office, her brow furrowed in concern.
“No, everything is not alright, Alice!” Draco snapped, his temper flaring. “I can’t believe they had the audacity to publish this. It’s as if they’re celebrating the end of my marriage!”
“Let them talk,” Alice replied, trying to remain calm. “It’s the nature of the press. They thrive on scandal. Just focus on the business.”
But Draco could feel the weight of public opinion pressing down on him. He had always been aware of the scrutiny that came with being a Malfoy, but this was different. His personal life was laid bare, and it left him feeling exposed.
As he sat there stewing in frustration, his owl flitted into the room, carrying a small letter from Hermione. He quickly unrolled it, hoping for a comforting message.
Draco,
"I saw the headline in the Daily Prophet. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I want to be there for you—please let me know when we can talk."
— Hermione
His heart softened at her words, and despite the chaos surrounding him, he felt a glimmer of solace. He quickly penned a response, hoping to find a moment of clarity in the midst of the storm.
Later that afternoon, Hermione received his reply.
Dear Hermione,
"Thank you for reaching out. I could really use your support right now. Can we meet tonight?"
— D.M
Her heart raced at the thought of seeing him. She knew he needed her now more than ever, and despite the tumultuous circumstances, she felt a surge of determination. She would stand by him, no matter what the world thought.
As the day wore on, Hermione prepared for their meeting, her mind racing with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. She didn’t know how they would navigate this new chapter, but one thing was certain: she wouldn’t let him face this alone.
Later that night, Hermione paced nervously in her flat, glancing at the clock every few minutes. She had set the table for two, a small gesture to make the evening feel less heavy. The weight of Draco’s impending divorce loomed over her, and she felt a swirl of emotions—excitement, concern, fear, and a deep-seated hope.
The doorbell chimed, breaking her reverie, and she rushed to open it. Draco stood on the threshold, his face drawn but determined. He looked at her with an intensity that made her heart race.
“Hey,” he said softly, stepping inside.
“Hi,” Hermione replied, closing the door behind him. “I’m glad you came.”
Draco took a deep breath, letting the tension of the day slip away as he stepped into the warmth of her home. They moved to the living room, and she gestured for him to sit.
“I'm sorry about the article,” she said, her voice low. “I didn’t want you to have to deal with that.”
Draco shrugged, trying to downplay the anxiety swirling within him. “It’s not your fault. The press is relentless, and they love a scandal.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Astoria knows about us now. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.”
“Did she…did she say anything about Scorpius?” Hermione asked, her heart clenching at the thought of the little boy caught in the crossfire of their adult decisions.
“Yeah,” Draco replied, his expression somber. “She’s worried about how it will affect him. Scorpius is still so young, and I don’t want him to feel like he’s losing anything because of my choices.”
Hermione nodded, understanding the depth of his concern. “He’s a sweet boy, Draco. He deserves stability.”
Draco’s gaze locked onto hers, a mixture of determination and vulnerability in his eyes. “Astoria has promised to support me, and she understands why I’ve fallen for you. It’s not the kind of love we had anymore; it was a marriage built on duty, not passion.”
Hermione felt a rush of warmth at his words but also a pang of guilt. “But you still care about her, right? You have a family together.”
“I do care about her,” he admitted, his voice steady. “But what I feel for you is different. It’s real, Hermione. I’ve never felt this way before, and I’m not going to let you go. Not now, not ever.”
Her breath caught in her throat as he leaned closer, his intensity palpable. “Draco…”
“Hermione,” he interrupted, reaching for her hand. “I’m in love with you. I don’t care about the gossip, the expectations, or the fallout. I want to build something with you, no matter how complicated things are right now.”
A rush of emotion washed over her, and she could feel tears pricking at her eyes. She had wanted to hear those words for so long, but the reality of their situation weighed heavily on her heart.
“I’m scared, Draco,” she confessed, her voice trembling. “What if this doesn’t work out? What if we hurt Scorpius?”
“We’ll figure it out together,” he replied, squeezing her hand. “We’ll be honest with him, with each other. I refuse to hide anymore. I want you in my life.”
Hermione’s heart swelled, the walls she had built around herself beginning to crumble. She leaned in, their foreheads touching, feeling the warmth radiating from him.
“Okay,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Let’s figure this out together.”
Draco’s lips found hers in a gentle kiss that ignited the fire they both had been trying to suppress. It was a promise, a declaration, and in that moment, everything else faded away.
As they pulled back, Draco searched her eyes. “No matter what happens next, I won’t let you go. I’m done hiding.”
Draco's hands slowly roamed Hermione's body, his touch possessive and hungry. He pulled her closer, his lips trailing down her neck as he whispered hoarsely, "You're mine, Hermione. I'm not letting you go. Never." His fingers slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, caressing her bare skin.
He lifted the garment over her head, tossing it aside, and took a moment to admire her. "Fuck, you're gorgeous," he breathed, his eyes dark with desire. Draco leaned down, capturing one of her nipples in his mouth, sucking and teasing it until it peaked. His other hand slid down her stomach, popping the button on her jeans and slipping inside.
Hermione gasped, arching into his touch as his fingers found her center. "Draco," she moaned, her hips moving instinctively.
Draco's fingers moved expertly, circling her clit and slipping inside her wet heat. He groaned against her breast, the sound vibrating through her."You're so fucking wet for me already," he murmured, pumping his fingers in and out.
Hermione's hands gripped his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as pleasure coursed through her. "Please," she begged, rocking against his hand."I need you inside me."
Draco pulled back, his breath coming in ragged pants. He quickly divested her of her jeans and underwear, leaving her bare before him. Then he stood, shedding his own clothes with haste.
Hermione drank in the sight of him, her eyes widening at the impressive length of his erection. Draco caught her gaze, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Like what you see?" he teased, wrapping a hand around his shaft and stroking slowly.
Hermione licked her lips, her eyes glued to his movements. "Come here," she demanded, her voice husky with desire. Draco obliged, crawling onto the sofa and settling between her thighs. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss as he positioned himself at her entrance.
"Are you ready for me?" he murmured against her mouth, his breath hot and heavy. "Yes," Hermione gasped, wrapping her legs around his waist. "I need you, Draco. Please."
With a powerful thrust, Draco entered her, filling her completely. They both moaned at the sensation, their bodies fitting together perfectly. He started to move, setting a steady rhythm that had Hermione writhing beneath him.
"Fuck, you feel amazing," Draco groaned, his hips snapping forward. "So tight, so perfect." Hermione clung to him, her fingers digging into his back as she met his thrusts.
Hermione's nails raked down Draco's back, urging him on as he pounded into her.The sound of their bodies slapping together filled the room, mingling with their moans and gasps.
"Harder," she pleaded, her voice breathless."I want to feel you for days."
Draco obliged, his thrusts becoming more forceful, more possessive. He angled his hips, hitting a spot deep inside her that made Hermione see stars.
"Come for me," he demanded, his voice low and commanding."I want to feel you come apart on my cock."
Hermione's body tensed, her orgasm building rapidly. Draco's words pushed her over the edge, and she cried out his name as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. Her inner walls clenched around him, pulsing with each contraction. Draco followed soon after, his release ripping through him with a guttural groan.
As their breathing slowed, Draco collapsed onto the sofa beside Hermione, pulling her into his arms. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
"Draco," she murmured, her voice soft and sincere. "I love you. I've loved you for so long, and I don't want to hide it anymore."
Draco's arms tightened around her, his own heart swelling with emotion. "I love you too, Hermione," he replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "More than anything. We'll face whatever comes next together."
He tilted her chin up, gazing into her eyes. "No more secrets, no more lies. Just you and me, building a future together."
Hermione smiled, tears of joy glistening in her eyes. "Together," she echoed, sealing their promise with a tender kiss.
After their passionate embrace, Hermione and Draco lay entwined in each other's arms, the aftermath of their lovemaking wrapping around them like a warm blanket. A comfortable silence enveloped the room, filled only with the sound of their steady breaths. Eventually, reality began to seep back in, and Hermione reluctantly pulled away to gather herself.
“Should we eat?” she asked, glancing towards the kitchen where she had prepared a simple dinner of pasta and salad.
Draco smiled, his eyes still reflecting the warmth of their earlier intimacy. “That sounds perfect.”
They got dressed and moved to the small dining table, Hermione couldn’t help but feel a sense of domesticity, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions surrounding them. They settled into their meal, the food providing a welcome distraction from the weight of their conversation.
“Draco,” Hermione began, carefully choosing her words, “what do you think your parents will say about the divorce? I mean, you know how they can be.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Lucius and Narcissa won’t take it well, not at first. They had high hopes for my marriage with Astoria. They valued the alliance, and they’ll see this as a failure on my part.”
Hermione nodded, her heart aching for Draco. “I can’t imagine the pressure you’re under. They’ve always been traditional.”
“They have,” he agreed, his tone turning serious. “But it’s not just about them. Scorpius… he’s what worries me most. I don’t want him to feel like he’s losing a family. Astoria is a good mother, and I don’t want my choices to impact him negatively.”
Hermione reached across the table, placing her hand over his. “You’re a good father, Draco. I can see how much you care about him. I’ll support you in any way I can.”
Draco looked at her, gratitude evident in his eyes. “Thank you, Hermione. It means a lot to me, especially now. I want to be there for Scorpius, and I want him to know that love isn’t confined to traditional boundaries. I want him to understand that sometimes, people need to find their happiness.”
Hermione squeezed his hand, feeling the weight of their discussion. “And what about Astoria? Do you think she’ll be okay with everything?”
“I hope so,” he said, his expression softening. “Astoria deserves happiness too. We had a good run, but it’s clear our paths have diverged. I wish her well; she’s been a good partner in many ways. But I also believe that she senses the change between us.”
The tension in the air shifted, and Hermione took a deep breath. “This is all so complicated, isn’t it? It feels like we’re walking a tightrope, trying not to fall.”
“Complicated is an understatement,” Draco said with a hint of a smile. “But I’d rather navigate this chaos with you than without you. You’ve become my anchor.”
They shared a quiet moment, the connection between them deepening as they contemplated the challenges ahead. After a few moments, Hermione changed the subject, hoping to lighten the mood. “So, what’s your favorite dish? I mean, I should know if we’re going to do this more often.”
Draco chuckled, the tension lifting slightly. “Honestly? I’m a sucker for anything Italian. This pasta is already winning me over, though.”
“Good to know!” Hermione grinned, her heart swelling with affection. “I can definitely whip up more Italian dishes. Maybe I’ll even throw in a dessert next time.”
“Now you’re speaking my language,” he said, flashing her that signature Malfoy smirk that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
As they finished their dinner, Hermione felt a sense of hope and possibility blooming between them. While the challenges of Draco’s divorce loomed ahead, the bond they were forging felt more potent than any obstacle they might face.
With each passing moment, Hermione knew they would fight for their happiness—together.