Chapter 12
“Damnit!” Draco ripped open the entrance to the tent and stalked inside. “Nothing else was missed. We spent twelve fucking hours searching through this godsforsaken forest and didn’t find anything new that could point us towards the murderer or motive.”
It was the end of the second day in the Forest of Dean. Granger followed Draco into the tent and threw herself down on the sofa while he paced the length of the room.
“On the bright side, that means our crime scene techs know what they’re doing. Only missing one tiny scrap of parchment hidden in the leaves shows us how thorough they are.” Granger said with her head thrown back and eyes closed. They were both exhausted.
“Yes, but I’d like our criminal to be slightly less proficient so we can catch them before another Centaur is murdered.” Draco ran his hand through his hair and gripped a handful tight, hoping to relieve the headache he could feel beginning.
“So do I, Malfoy.” Granger said before sighing deeply. “We’ve done all we can here. Tomorrow morning we’ll head to Ashdown to start looking there.”
Nodding, Draco stopped pacing and looked at Granger. “I’ve got to wash this grit off of me, but afterwards we’ll Apparate to Gloucester.”
She slowly raised her head to look at him. “What’s in Gloucester?”
“I promised to take you to dinner, didn’t I?” He was pleased to notice the slight flush appearing on her cheeks.
“Oh, that–right, yes. Dinner. Um, I’ll just get ready after you then.” Granger stammered.
Draco moved quickly to get ready. Once showered he dressed in black slacks, a black Oxford, a charcoal waistcoat, a tie so dark blue it might as well have been black, and dragonhide shoes. He added on his hands the three rings he normally wore; his Malfoy signet, his Black signet, and a wide onyx band he’d gotten from Theo on his twenty-fifth birthday. He spent a few minutes charming his hair dry and falling in exactly the way he liked it, and only had to remind himself five times that he wasn’t taking Granger on a date, so stop primping asshole.
Draco stepped from his room in the tent to find Granger fresh from the shower and smelling strongly of whatever bath products she used. He thought he detected vanilla and something floral. His gaze slid slowly from her tamed curls to the mint green sundress and then continued down her tan legs to the strappy white gladiator heels she wore on her feet. She was pulling on a sheer white shrug over her shoulders when he finally brought his eyes back up to her face.
They stared at each other for a moment too long before Draco cleared his throat. “Ready to go then?”
Granger picked up her beaded bag and wand from the kitchen counter before she answered. “Yes I believe so. I wasn’t sure what kind of restaurant you had in mind, so I hope this is ok.”
“Perfect. That is, you look lovely, Granger.” Great job, idiot. She’s your partner for this case, a coworker. Stop thinking about her legs and those bloody heels. Be professional! “The place I was thinking of isn’t super fancy.”
“Then why are you wearing a bloody waistcoat and tie?” She arched her eyebrow at him.
Draco looked down at himself. “This is what I typically wear. What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing! I didn’t say there was anything wrong, just wondered if I was underdressed. I’m not sure what your definition of ‘super fancy’ is, Your Lordship, but in my world your choice of attire is high-end.” She swept her hair behind her shoulder and crossed her arms.
He rolled his eyes. “Well, the world I was raised in would call this supremely casual. I’m not even wearing a suit jacket.” He walked closer to her and offered his arm for her to thread her hand through. “It isn’t my fault you spend all your time with Potter and Weasel who wouldn’t know the difference between a sport jacket and tailcoat.”
Granger snorted as they exited the tent and headed outside of their protective warding. “Don’t be mean. But Merlin, sometimes Harry really could use some help buying work appropriate clothes.”
Draco Apparated them to a hidden area next to the Gloucester docks and began walking before he asked, “How goes the deal with Pansy? Do you like the clothes she makes for you?”
“Oh, yes! Everything is so nice, and is very tasteful. I didn’t doubt I’d be getting high quality things, but I wondered how much my opinion on style would be a factor to her. She’s incorporated so many of my likes into her designs, while simultaneously pushing some of my boundaries. Like these shoes,” Granger stuck one leg up in front of her. “I would never have picked them myself, but they’re very comfortable and go so nicely with this dress.”
Draco kept his gaze firmly on the sidewalk in front of them and off of Granger’s legs. His reply was somewhat tight as he said, “She’s always taken our personal preferences into account when designing. It’s like she takes what we like and elevates it without completely taking over and just doing what she wants.”
Draco realized at that moment that their arms were still linked from Apparating, but since Granger hadn’t pulled away yet he decided not to mention it. “The restaurant is just up here. It’s a little seafood place that gets their catch fresh daily.”
When they arrived, Draco opened the door and ushered Granger through with a hand at the small of her back. The hostess led them directly to a table towards the back, and waited to hand them menus while Draco pulled Granger’s chair out for her. She smiled her thanks and sat, smoothed her dress down and placed her bag in her lap.
Draco took his own seat and took his menu from the hostess. She told them their waitress would be over soon and then took her leave. Draco took a moment to look at the drink options and then browsed the appetizers. “Do you mind if I order wine for the both of us?”
He glanced over his menu to see her reaction. “Not at all, I trust your judgement. You probably have more experience picking wine anyway.” She said without looking up from her menu.
“Thank you for your trust.” When she looked up at him, he smiled. She seemed surprised for a moment, then looked back at her menu like she was studying for a test.
“Anything catching your eye?” He asked after a few minutes, trying to get a good conversation going again, but Granger seemed focused on something else.
“What?” She looked back up at him.
“Have you decided on what you’d like to order?”
She shook her head and looked back down as if she’d just remembered she was holding a menu. “Right, food. Um, I’m actually having a hard time deciding. Everything looks so good.”
He studied her for a minute. “Could I ask for a bit more trust from you? I can order something for you, if you’d like.”
Granger slowly lowered her menu and straightened in her seat. It seemed as if she was pulling on some of her Gryffindor courage when she answered. “I’m feeling adventurous tonight, so I don’t mind that at all.”
He grinned at her and took another look at the menu, trying to think of what she’d like. He thought back to the lunch they’d gone to with the Snakes and tried to keep her preferences in mind as he selected something. When the waitress arrived, Draco easily ordered their wine and meals. The server glanced over at Granger to confirm the choice was alright, and at her nod of agreement, collected their menus before leaving.
“This place is lovely. I don’t think I’ve been somewhere this charming since I was dating–” Granger cut herself off and looked down at her lap. “Sorry, I’m sure you don’t want to hear about my love life.”
“No, no. Continue Granger. Who were you dating?” Draco asked with a smirk, happy to take whatever tidbits she would offer him of her life.
“Much to my everlasting regret I dated Hestia Jones’ nephew, Anderson. We were together for about six months. He was nice enough, but thought he knew more than I did on any given subject. One night we were at a Ministry gala, speaking to someone higher up than both of us, and he kept cutting me off instead of letting me speak. He would argue and disagree with me, and laugh at my responses. I couldn’t stand being condescended to for another minute, so I left the gala alone that night.”
Draco studied her before asking with genuine curiosity, “How long ago was this?”
“Oh gosh, nearly two years ago now.” She blushed. “I’ve gone on other dates since then, but nothing serious. And none of them took me anywhere as nice as this.” Her gaze shot to his and her voice took on a shrill quality. “Not that this is a date! Of course it isn’t!”
Draco felt his heart rate speed up. He’d noticed Granger blushing around him, how sometimes she stammered in embarrassment when she responded to a slightly flirty comment he’d made, and she hadn’t taken her hand off his arm after they’d Apparated. Was it possible she’d be open to the idea of dating him?
“You’d know if this were a date. I’d make sure of it, Granger.” Draco leaned forward slightly to rest his forearms on the table. “One of the few good things my father ever taught me was that Malfoy men worship their women. If I were to take you on a proper date, I’d pull out all the stops.” He slowly reached for his glass of wine and took a healthy sip before licking his lips and returning the glass to the table.
Granger’s eyes had widened further with every sentence. She’d gone utterly still. Suddenly, she stood up so Draco stood too. This seemed to take her even more by surprise. “I’ve got to use the ladies room. Excuse me.”
As she rushed away, Draco resumed his seat and pulled his mobile from his trousers pocket. He fired off a text to Theo.
Draco: Theo, urgent help needed re:Granger.
Theo responded immediately.
Theo: Did you forget how to shag? Been surviving on wanking alone for too long?
Draco: I took her to dinner. Not a date, but simply because she made dinner last night so it was my turn.
Theo: What are you texting me for then? Pay attention to her!
Draco: She stepped away for a moment, that's why I URGENTLY need help. Should I ask her on a proper date?
Theo: FINALLY. I told you I could see the two of you together! YES ASK HER OUT.
Draco: What if I’ve misread the situation and she rejects me because I repulse her?
Theo: She’s out with you right now, isn’t she?
Draco: Fair point. It’s just a work thing though. I’m not good enough for her, Theo.
Theo: I mean this with all the love in my heart, Draco, but you are an utter moron. You’ve spent the last ten years atoning for things you never had a choice in, and you are a good man. Now put the phone down and woo this witch!
Draco: Love you too Theo.
Draco returned his phone to his pocket and looked up just in time to see Granger returning with the waitress trailing behind her. Draco stood and once again pulled the chair out for the lovely woman he was fortunate to be sharing a meal with.
Hermione rushed into the stall in the ladies room and furiously pulled out her phone. She quickly dialed Harry’s new number. Ginny had demanded he get his own mobile after their dinner conversation. After two rings Harry picked up.
“Hey Mione. What’s up?” His voice sounded tired.
“Harry, are you home with Ginny?” Even to her, her voice sounded panicky.
“What’s happened? Are you ok? Did you find something at the scene?” Apparently, Harry was in full Auror mode at her tone.
“No. Well, yes we found something minor, I’ll fill you in later. I just need to talk to Ginny. Right now.” Her foot was bouncing up and down, and she brought the edge of her thumbnail up to her mouth. She’d stopped her anxious habit of nail biting, but sometimes the ingrained motion still happened unconsciously.
“If you’re sure you’re alright…” He trailed off.
“Yes, Harry I’m fine. Ginny, please.”
Hermione heard rustling over the line, and her best friends’ muffled voices speaking to each other quickly. Ginny came on the phone a moment later.
“Hermione? Hello?”
“Ginny word vomit then advice please!” Hermione’s words all came out in a rush.
“One sec, let me get somewhere quiet.” After another moment of nervous leg bouncing, Ginny said, “Ok, go.”
“I’m out to dinner with Malfoy because I cooked last night and he said it was his turn today and he ordered the wine and meal for us both and he pulled out my chair and always opens every door for me and,” She took a large breath, “He said if he ever took me out on a date he’d pull out all the stops and Malfoy men worship their women so there would be no doubt in my mind that we were on a date and then he licked his lips.”
Ginny seemed as shocked as Hermione had been at the table. It took her ten heartbeats to respond. “And what sort of advice were you hoping for?”
“I don’t know what I’m doing Ginny! Do I try to flirt back? Do I encourage him to ask me out on a date? Am I reading too much into this? I just need help Gin!” Hermione reached up to run a hand through her curls before remembering she’d taken extra time to make sure they weren’t frizzy before dinner. Instead, she rubbed at her temple.
“From what you told me before, and what he just told you, it seems to me like he wants to ask you out. Would you want him to?” Ginny asked gently.
Hermione chewed her lip. “I…I think so. He’s smart, confident, and a gentleman. He isn’t the same boy who used to torment me in school, and he’s proven that over and over. He listens when I speak and encourages my ideas. We even tease each other without any vitriol. And Ginny, he’s so bloody fit. Its hard to keep my concentration when he’s got his shirt sleeves rolled up, or when he guides me through a doorway.” She sighed. “Is it ok that I like him?”
Ginny whooped, loudly, in her ear. “Of fucking course it is! Mione, I’ve told you that you’ve been single for too long. You need someone who can match you, someone who you don’t have to dumb yourself down for, someone who could be a true partner. And if that’s the ferret, then I say go for it! If he ever mistreats you though, you know that me and Harry, plus every single one of my brothers, won’t hesitate to put him in his place.” The last bit was said so firmly that Hermione could picture the glare in Ginny’s eyes as she said it.
“Well. Ok then. I guess I’ll see where this thing goes with Malfoy. But how do I let him know I’m interested without making a fool of myself?” Hermione blew hair out of her face.
“Well maybe you could start by using his given name instead of calling him Malfoy.” Ginny snickered.
Hermione’s body went still. She’d never called him Draco to his face. She’d had to stop herself calling it out last night after she’d gone to bed and couldn’t get the words good girl in his low timbre out of her head.
“Good. Yeah. That’s a good place to start.” After a deep fortifying breath, Hermione sat straighter. “Thanks Ginny. I’ve got to go. I ran to the toilet in a panic to call you, so he’s probably wondering where I am.”
“Get out there girl, and get yourself a man!” Ginny’s amusement came across loud and clear. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” Hermione ended the call, washed her hands in the sink, and headed back to their table.
Draco was putting his own phone away in his pocket. Perhaps she’d taken longer than intended with her impromptu phone call. He pulled her chair out for her again, and the waitress arrived right behind her. After placing their dishes down and asking if they needed anything else, she left Hermione and Malfoy–no, Draco–alone once again.
“This smells delicious.” Hermione opened the conversation.
“I hope you like it. And it should pair well with the wine.” Mal–Draco, she corrected herself–replied.
She groaned with the first bite. It was fabulous. Somehow he’d gotten her tastes perfectly right. His eyes shot up from his own plate to her.
“Good?” He chuckled.
With a hand over her mouth, she nodded. After swallowing she said, “Its wonderful.” She quickly took another bite. “How did you know what I would like?”
He wiped his lips with a napkin. “I’m observant. I remembered what you ordered at lunch after Quidditch, and I’ve heard you mention some of your dislikes in the office before.” He shrugged and took a sip of wine. “I pride myself on being able to figure out what someone likes.”
“Do you do this often then? Ordering meals for women that you think they’ll like?” Hermione scooped up another bite, but paused before bringing it to her mouth. “Do you order for your girlfriend?”
Draco raised his eyebrows, “I’ve done it a time or two before. No girlfriend right now to take on dates.” He loaded his fork and looked back at her. “You don’t regret trusting me, handing over control for one dinner?”
Hermione crossed her legs under the table. The thought of handing him control over much more intimate things had her mind swirling. “No regrets.” She said and took another bite before licking her fork clean. His eyes followed the motion.
“Tell me about what made you become an Auror.” She requested. “I don’t know much about you since your trial.”
Draco cleared his throat. “This will sound petty, but its because of Potter. He’d just defeated the darkest wizard and couldn’t wait to get out there and do more good for the world. I was jealous that he’d been on the right side of things, and I wanted to prove I could be just as good as him.” He shrugged. “There was a smaller issue of rebuilding the Malfoy family name, but I fear that will never recover. All I can do moving forward is try to erase the stain on my own name.”
“You’ve done well. I know your case closure rate for the DMLE is one of the highest, and you’ve made it to Senior Auror. I think you’ve well and rehabilitated the name Draco.” She was proud that she didn’t stutter over his name at all. In fact, it flowed quite nicely off her tongue.
His back stiffened and his hands froze where they were gathering more food onto his fork. He was doing it properly, using his knife to load his fork before putting it down and bringing his fork up to his mouth. The tips of his ears went slightly pink when his eyes met hers. The color swirled and deepened to a steel grey.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” He chewed his food, then reached for his glass of wine. “I know I was a horrible shit head to you during school, but I hope I’ve shown that I no longer hold the ideals my ancestors did.”
“You have, again and again. We’re sitting in a Muggle restaurant for Godric’s sake. If you were still that same boy you never would have brought someone like me to a place like this.” She pointed out.
“True. One of the first things I did after not being sentenced to Azkaban was enter the Muggle world and try to figure out why Voldemort had hated it so much. Why my family had invested so much of their energies into teaching me that Muggles were inferior to us magical people. Obviously I discovered that they were people too, with struggles they overcame without magic, with hope for a bright future, with equal–if not superior in some cases–intelligence to wizardkind. Everything I knew had to be unlearned, and I wanted to find the answers for myself.” He said all of this without a hint of arrogance or whining, just stating facts.
“You’re nothing like I expected, Draco.” She used his name again, and once more he stiffened.
“That’s twice now you’ve used my given name.” He looked at her with wonder.
“It is.” She refilled her empty wine glass, and gestured to ask if he wanted more as well. He nodded, so she filled his glass with another serving.
“How did you come to work in the Ministry?” Draco asked when she returned the bottle to the table.
“I’m sure you can guess. I wanted a better world for us all. Not just witches and wizards, not just purebloods. I wanted equality for Muggleborns and Squibs. I want equal employment opportunity for people infected with lycanthropy, and vampires, and hags if they wished. I want a healthy work environments for house elves and other magical creatures that wizards use for their own advancement.” She finished the last of her meal and sighed. “I thought the government would be overhauled in light of what Voldemort had done, and I was going to be the one pushing for those changes.”
“And it turned out that even with him gone, things haven’t really changed all that much?” Draco asked before finishing his own meal.
“No, they haven’t. There is more red tape and hoops to jump through now, because they don’t want another Umbridge coming in and issuing decrees based on their own plans and ideologies. There are forms and waiting periods and votes and approvals for every minor thing anyone wants to get passed by the Wizengamot. It’s exhausting. I understand the need for it, but at the same time I wish things moved a little bit quicker.” Hermione leaned back in her chair while holding her glass of wine.
Draco mirrored her actions. “What are your long term plans? I don’t imagine you staying in the DRCMC for the rest of your career.”
Hermione tilted her head to the side while she thought about whether she wanted to give the modest answer or the honest one. She went with honest when she said, “No, that’s not where I want to stay. Someday I want to be Minister. Did you know there’s never been a Muggleborn Minister for Magic?”
“Unfortunately I could list off every Minister since the founding and their blood status. Private education at work.” He chuckled ruefully.
“You aren’t going to tell me how difficult its going to be, with me being both a woman and a Muggleborn? It seems to be all I ever hear if I tell someone of my goals.” Hermione rolled her eyes.
“If anyone can do it, you can, Hermione.” He kept his eyes locked with her as he said it, and she felt a shiver run down her spine.
Their eyes remained locked onto each other, but before Hermione could respond Draco’s Auror badge loudly cast a Caterwauling charm. “Senior Auror Malfoy respond.” Came Harry’s voice over the badge.
Thank Godric I put a Muffliato charm around the table when we sat down, Hermione thought.
Draco pulled out his badge and held his pointer finger down in the center of it. “Senior Auror Malfoy, report.”
“I’m sorry to say we’ve been notified of another Centaur body found. Apparate to provided coordinates straightaway.” Draco looked back at Hermione with grim disappointment.
“Yes, Head Auror. On my way.” And Draco stood from the table.