Fade Into You

‘I had a huge crush-well it was more of a borderline obsession!’

Draco could feel the blood rushing in his temples, her laughter sounding muffled, as if he were underwater. His mind unable to comprehend what was happening to him, this intense visceral response her words had caused.

Taking a deep breath he focused on her face. Gods she was so fucking beautiful. Why was he just now noticing?

Her face scrunched up in confusion as she gave him a questioning look.

“Draco, are you alright?”

Fuck, darling, say my name again. 

“W-what?”

“I said, are you alright?”

Shite. She must be wondering why he was staring at her like a complete fool. He needed to get this under control, and quick. Had she even answered his question? Had he said it aloud? Fuck!

Clearing his throat he adjusted his suit jacket. “Ah yes, completely fine, just dandy, couldn’t be better!” Draco tried not to flinch as he internally groaned at the stupidity that was his response. He’d never felt this out of sorts when speaking to a woman.

She continued to look at him as if she didn’t believe he was fine and under the scrutiny of her gaze his face felt hot. Was he fucking blushing?

His collar suddenly felt as if was choking him and he attempted to relieve some tension by pulling at it. “Actually, it’s quite hot in here, I need some fresh air.”

“Couldn’t agree more! I’ll come with you been needing a break from all this anyway.”

No! yes! No no no

“Um-” but before he could say anything further, she reached for his arm and rested her hand in the crook of his elbow, looking up at him smiling.

“Oh, come on, I’m sure it will be fine if I miss a few minutes of my engagement party.”

The Malfoy Manor gardens provided the reprieve he’d sought even if the person he needed to escape had followed him out here. Draco breathed deeply, taking in the much-needed fresh air, hoping it would clear his head.

Narcissa having loved Theo as one of her own and had immediately offered the manor for their engagement party. She’d gone completely overboard with guest list and décor, even the gardens hadn’t escaped some form of glow up to match the theme.

Hermione was still holding on to his arm and he couldn’t help but relish in her warmth. How many times had she touched him? And how had he never felt this way. And when the fuck did she become Hermione instead of Granger?

They continued walking until they reached the main fountain, Hermione motioning for them to sit on the edge. She released his arm and began to sway her hand in the water, closing her eyes and sighing.

Draco’s mouth tasted like sandpaper as he noticed a bead of sweat drip down from her neck down her chest, curving in at the swell of her breast down under her dress. Looking away quickly, finding anything else to look at, mentally chastising himself.

No! what the hell is wrong with you! She is completely off limits!

“Enjoying the party?” Draco asked in an attempt to forget this momentary lapse of judgement and remember Herm-Granger was his best mate’s fiancé, and he had no business looking at her any other way. They both deserved better.

She chuckled and even though it wasn’t a true chuckle, the sound felt like a caress, “Of course!” she said with a little too much effort. she was no longer sitting but pacing, cracking her knuckles. Oh, shit she wasn’t.

“Oh gosh please don’t think I hate it! I-just-”

“Would have preferred a more intimate party.”

“Exactly.” Wincing, she fully turned to face him.

“It’s just-your mother-and Theo-there was just no way I could say no, you know?”

Resting his elbows on his knees, Draco hung his head and chuckled “Oh believe me, I know. Definitely saw her twist his arm on all the planning.” Closing his eyes he began to rub the back of his neck. He hadn’t realized how tense he’d been. He let out a groan when he reached a particular spot but tensed when he realized it wasn’t his hand rubbing. He opened his eyes and saw the tips of her pointed black heels touching the tips of his dragonhide shoes.

He quickly shot up to stand but instead of putting distance between them his body came incredibly close to hers. The speed of his movements causing her to stumble backwards. Without thinking, he caught her midfall, one hand in the small of her back and the other behind her neck. She was griping the sleeves of his jacket, her eyes wide.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She swallowed. He could feel her pulse pounding in his palm and for a second, they just stood there, staring at each other. Draco couldn’t look away, couldn’t stop himself from looking down to her lips, couldn’t stop himself from dragging his tongue over his bottom lip. But then she cleared her throat and pushed herself out of his grasp.

Before Draco could respond she was already ten feet away not bothering to look at him. “I should head back. Thanks for the chat, Draco.” He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. Fuck! Had she seen the hunger in his eyes he’d felt the moment his hands touched her. She’d felt so right in his arms.

This was bad.

He needed to stay away from Hermi-Granger.

It’s Granger to you arsehole.