Adventure is Sweet
“Come on,” Draco said, nudging her toward a quieter street lined with charming little shops.
Hermione furrowed her brow. “Where are we going?”
Draco gave her a sideways glance. “You’ve been remarkably tolerant today. I figure you deserve a reward.”
“A reward?” she repeated, skeptical.
A few minutes later, they stopped in front of Rosmerta’s Little Confections, a quaint-looking shop with enchanted snowflakes falling in the window display.
Hermione lit up. “You brought me to a sweets shop?”
Draco looked down at her with amusement. “I do pay attention, you know.”
Inside, the warmth of the shop was inviting, and the air was thick with the scent of cinnamon, chocolate, and peppermint. Hermione wandered toward the shelves lined with handcrafted truffles and enchanted bonbons, utterly enthralled.
Draco, meanwhile, watched her. The way her fingers danced over the glass displays, her eyes alight with quiet joy.
It was unfair, really, how easily she captivated him.
After a moment, he plucked a small box from the counter, placing it into her hands.
“What’s this?” she asked, looking down.
“Winterberry truffles,” he said casually. “They’re your favorite.”
Hermione blinked up at him. “How did you—?”
Draco shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Like I said, I pay attention.”
She stared at him, something unreadable in her gaze. Then, without warning, she rose onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
Draco froze.
“I—” Hermione immediately flushed. “That was— I didn’t mean—”
Draco recovered quickly, smirking as he tilted his head. “Careful, Granger,” he murmured, voice low and teasing. “Kissing me in public? People might talk.”
Hermione, flustered beyond reason, shoved him lightly. “Oh, shut up, Malfoy.”
But as they left the shop, Draco’s smirk lingered.
Because her lips had been warm against his skin. And he found that he didn’t quite mind the idea of her doing it again.