Snow On The Beach
Hermione-Snow On The Beach
This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen
I searched aurora borealis green
I've never seen someone lit from within
Blurring out my periphery
My smile is like I won a contest
And to hide that would be so dishonest
And it's fine to fake it 'til you make it
'Til you do, 'til it's true
Now it's like snow at the beach
Weird but fuckin' beautiful
Flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful
You wanting me tonight feels impossible
But it's comin' down, no sound, it's all around
Like snow on the beach
The first glimpse of Harry that Hermione saw on Friday morning was not the same Harry she had seen on Thursday. When she had come skipping down the steps the morning after her impromptu date with Draco, Harry and Theo had been wearing twin smirks. This morning however, Harry was evil-eyeing a slightly crumpled morning paper while Theo rubbed his temples.
“Hermione, you need to take a look at this” Harry snapped before she could even pull out a chair.
“Harry I’d rather not spoil my appetite by looking at trashy gossip columns” she motioned to the paper, knowing it was most likely the Prophet to upset him more than the French papers, Lumière Hebdomadaire. While the French reporters knew who Harry was, the citizens of the continent weren’t nearly obsessed with him as the England wizarding world was, thus resulting in Harry’s privacy being respected more.
“But Skeeter-” Harry started, which Hermione cut him off quickly.
“I don’t give a pygmy puff’s arse what Rita Skeeter is saying, of all people” Hermione said, stopping her action of buttering her scone to point the butter knife in Harry’s direction for emphasis.
Harry opened his mouth to no doubt argue with her, but the chime of the floo interrupted him. The only person with access to the Nott residence floo busted into the room, making Hermione’s heart soar. “Oh Draco” she called, happy to know someone would back her up on her stance of Rita Skeeter, “perfect-”
“That blast ended skrewt faced bastard! How the wizarding world even claims that cretin as a human and not a damn ogre’s ginger arse hair is astounding” Draco marched up to the table and slapped another copy of the Daily Prophet onto the dining table before he put his hands on his hips, “We’re aurors, we could get away with murder, yeah?”
“Murder? And just who are we murdering?” Hermione asked, completely giving up on her scone.
“She hasn’t read it yet?” Draco asked, still looking at Harry.
“She is sitting right in front of you” Hermione huffed, “And to answer your question, no, I haven’t read the trash that is Skeeter's articles”
“We could probably get away with it, between Hermione and Theo as alibies I’m sure we’d be fine. Plus Theodore could probably whip up a bone eating potion in no time” Harry rubbed his jaw, also completely ignoring her.
“Who the fuck are we murdering because if someone doesn’t tell me right now, it’ll be me murdering you!” Hermione threatened, losing her patience.
Theo sighed and stopped his silent temple rubbing, “They’re talking about your weasel shit-for-brains ex boyfriend” He pushed the paper towards her and she finally gave in to looking at the front page. Hermione had to hand it to Ronald, he waited longer to retaliate than she had given him credit for.
“Hermione Granger: Golden or Gonzo” Hermione read aloud, “Well she could’ve come up with a more clever title at least. Honestly I’m offended that she didn’t put more effort in” she skimmed the first few paragraphs before rolling her eyes and pushing the paper away again.
“You-you’re not upset?” Harry asked hesitantly.
“Oh no, I’m going to murder him when I see him for bringing up my parents. I’m just not surprised by his behavior” Hermione shrugged, already coming up with a litany of spells that could injure one Ronald Weasley.
Draco pulled out a seat from across from her, running a hand through his hair. “Hermione, he said you had a mental break because of your parents death and ran away”
“Yes Draco, I have eyes, I can read” She intoned, rolling her eyes
“Unlike Weaselbee” he shot back, his eyes narrowing at the paper
Theo’s smirk returned as he nudged Draco’s arm, “Ohh good one Drake!”
“Hermione, I really think we should take this more seriously” Harry said, it still took her by surprise when he didn’t fidget with his glasses. He looked like a man now and she still wondered when that happened.
“And do what? Go blab to the papers about where I am and lead Ron right to me? No, I like how my life is going right now and I won’t let Ronald ruin it” she grabbed the paper again and pointed to one of the lower lines, “Kings even confirmed on my mental stability and safety”
The three men sat in silence, taking in her words and she took back up her mantle of buttering and enjoying her scone. “Now that that is settled, I believe you two have work” she pointed between Harry and Draco, both already dressed in their auror robes that made her and Theo appreciate the view.
“But I didn’t even get to eat” the blonde in front of her whined.
“Eat a muffin and move it! I need you to run some errands during your lunch” Theo said, shoving a muffin into Draco’s hands. With a sigh from Harry and scoff from Draco, both men stood.
“I’ll see you later, don’t blow anything else up. I’d like to keep you in one piece” Harry said, dropping a kiss onto Theo’s forehead and Hermione couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Harry had always been a bit touch and go when it came to physical affection and she suspected it had something to do with the Dursleys. But with Theo, he was so comfortable that it warmed her heart to see her friend so content with a partner.
Theo gave his signature smirk and wink, “no promises, but I’ll make sure to keep your favorite part of me safe”
“Oh eww Theo! Really at breakfast?” Hermione fake gagged.
Theo eyed her before opening his fat trap and saying “Don’t get mad at me because you’re sexually repressed, Granger” the blush gracing her cheeks was immediate.
“I am- that is not- I am not sexually repressed!” Hermione spluttered, not looking towards the doorway where she knew Draco took up residence.
“Sure you aren’t” Theo leaned over the table to pat her on the head but he didn’t make it far before a stinging hex hit him in the bum. “What is with you people and stinging hex!” Theo yelled. Served him right, Hermione harrumphed at the thought.
“I’ll see you at 6:30, pretty girl” she whipped her head up at Draco calling her and Hermione nodded eagerly, confirming their second, but first formal, date. And with that, both aurors were stepping out of the room.
“Well that will be a quick un-repressing” Theo chimed in, earning him his second stinging charm of the day.
xXx
Theo knocked on her open bedroom door, “Hey Hermione, Drake’s downstairs pacing and mumbling something about the twins” she set her book down gently on her bed and stood. Their date wasn’t for another three hours, in fact he should still be at work with Harry.
Hermione chewed her lip and nodded, “Okay, thank you, Theo” her friend just nodded and disappeared back down the hallway, seemingly more distracted by whatever thoughts were running through his head. Ever since November had hit, Theo’s mood seemed to take a bit of a downturn. He was never mean, just more reserved and quiet.
Making her way downstairs, Hermione started to worry about what was going on. It clearly couldn’t be that bad, otherwise Theo would’ve been panicking. Could Draco have changed his mind? Maybe he thought they were moving too fast still and he changed his mind about going out tonight. But Theo had mentioned the twins. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on the news, Hermione didn’t have to wait long.
“Draco?” she called as she entered the room, going to stand close to where he was standing by the floo.
“Don’t come close!” he threw up a hand, a look of panic on his face. Hermione stopped in her advance, her heart thundering in her chest. Maybe this really had been a prank all along and he was about to spit the word mudblood at her like he had a decade ago.
“I’m sorry” Draco paused, taking a breath, “I just don’t want you to get sick” wait, what?
“Sick?” Hermione asked, taking a step back from the blonde.
“The twins caught dragon pox” he explained, “It’s like muggle-”
“Muggle chicken pox. And I’ve had both so I’m safe” Hermione said, her shoulders dropping in relief while she simultaneously felt shame faced at thinking so little of Draco.
Dipping his chin, Draco slumped onto the small couch in the floo room. “When did you get dragon poxs’?” he asked, scratching the back of his neck, almost looking sheepish again.
Hermione felt her lip slightly quirk upwards at his look of embarrassment and took her place next to him. “Probably about two years ago, the Weasley children had an outbreak” Dragon pox were very similar in the sense that they were mostly contracted by small children, but seeing as she was muggleborn, Hermione hadn’t come into contact with them until adulthood.
“And they were…okay?” Draco asked, throwing her off with his softness of voice. She had been expecting his usual snarkiness when it came to the Weasley brood. Then it hit her, he was scared about the boys.
She patted his arm consolingly and smiled, “Oh yes! I barricaded in with Victoire and little Fred. We had a multi-day movie marathon. I don’t think I’ve ever watched so many cartoons in a 72 hour period before”
Draco stayed quiet, but she felt him ease a bit further into her so she continued. “How are Scorp and Sterling doing? Where are they?”
“At home with my mum. Other than being itchy and a slight fever they’re fine, a bit clingy but can’t say I blame them” Draco shrugged and Hermione could see that the clinginess had a very big chance of being inherited from their father.
She looked over his body, noting he was still wearing his uniform from this morning. “I’m assuming you rushed straight from work” she teased, tugging on the leather holster strapped to his chest.
“Well the daycare owled and mum couldn’t pick them up in time and I was a bit…nervous” He admitted, sending a little side eye in her direction. Hermione just beamed at him, kissing his cheek.
“I think it’s sweet of you” She gushed, wrapping their fingers together. Hermione found herself reaching for Draco much more often than she did Ron, a certain contentment washing over her at their touches.
Draco scoffed, “The words sweet and Draco Malfoy do not live in the same sentence. It’s a crime against nature to do so”
Hermione bit her lip to hide a giggle, “Maybe, but I do find if you add Scorpius and Sterling Malfoy to the mix, it balances it out”
Draco dropped a kiss to her forehead, “If you’re lucky, I’ll add Hermione Granger to the exceptions list as well”
“Well now you’re just being too sweet. Who are you and what have you done to Draco Malfoy? Are you a ferret in disguise?” She looked him up and down, appraising him with a raised brow.
Draco pulled away from her with an eye roll, “Are they not synonymous at this point?” he crossed his arms in a fake pout that looked eerily similar to when you told Scorpius he couldn’t have a cookie before a meal.
“Tell you what,” Hermione stood, “I’ll go change and we can have a movie marathon with the boys. I’ve been curious about trying a potato soup recipe one of my coworkers gave me!”
“You’re not upset about tonight being canceled?” Draco cocked his head.
Hermione shook her own head, curls slightly slapping her cheek, “And spending time with my two favorite little boys without having to share with Potter and Nott? No”
Draco gave a slight chuckle, “I fear I’ve corrupted you if you’re referring to our friends as ‘Nott and Potter’” he jested, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
“One, you can corrupt me any day you’d like, preferably in a bed” She winked, greatly appreciating how wide Draco’s eyes dilated, “Second, it is definitely Potter and Nott”
Draco made a face, clearly depicting his disagreement, “Hermione, I will do a proper corruption once I’ve taken you on a proper date. In other arguments, you know I love when you’re wrong and this is one of those times. It is most definitely Nott and Potter” She took a step back at his statement, rethinking if she really wanted a relationship with the git before her.
“It most definitely is not. Potter and Nott rolls off the tongue much better” She crossed her arms in defense.
“Well while I’d much rather not discuss other men and your tongue, Potter is the second name because it’s longer. Plus in abbreviation, NottPott is much better to the ears” Draco argued his point, vehemently, might she add.
Hermione ignored the tongue part because her first time shagging Draco Malfoy would not be on a floo room rug, even if it was persian. “Godric, could you sound any more posh?” Hermione questioned, “‘Much better to the ears’” she mocked, making her feel like a child in the Hogwarts halls again. However, when she looked back up at him, Draco was holding back a laugh.
“You’re just bitter because you know I’m right. Now go pack” Draco admonished, swatting at her arse. She yelped and turned back at him, her mouth slightly open. “Well” he implored.
“If I don’t move, will you do it again?” She asked impishly, yeah she was definitely spending too much time around Theo.
“Children, dragon pox, my mum waiting” Draco ticked off each point with a finger, causing her to race upstairs and pack a bag that may or may not hold overnight toiletries and a certain children's book.
xXx
In her excitement to rush to the grocer’s and debating what movies to watch with the boys, Hermione had forgotten about one very important detail: Narcissa Malfoy.
“Draco, we are not watching that movie!” She argued, her arms full of paper bags that Draco had insisted she shrink but she had refused, arguing food touched by magic had a weird taste.
“What’s wrong with Lord of The Rings? It’s a perfectly fine movie!” the man next to her, arms also full of bags, shot back.
“Well considering it is much too complicated for two year olds-”
“Almost three” he interrupted
“Yes because that makes all the difference in movie comprehension skills” she snarked back. During their time at the market, Hermione had learned that Draco had known much more about muggle movies than she would have ever thought. It was honestly a shock he had even known what Shrek and Spiderman were, but then the man started talking about movies such as Pride and Prejudice!
Seeing her shock, Draco explained he’d discovered muggle classic literature shortly after his move to France. One of his muggleborn coworkers had mentioned there were movies based on some of the books he had read. It had been a rabbit hole after that, a rabbit hole that led to him arguing that two year olds could understand the Hobbit franchise!
In fact, Hermione had been so enraptured in their argument, she had completely missed the lithe blonde woman sitting at the dining table. “Ehem”, a voice cleared behind them, causing Hermione to startle.
Draco just took the bags from her hands and sat them on the counter. “Hello mum, where are the boys?” Narcissa stood and Hermione tried to swallow back the inkling of fear trickling through her veins. The last time Hermione had seen Narcissa Malfoy had been at Draco’s trial before eighth year. Mrs.Malfoy had given her a tight lipped ‘thank you’ and a very vague apology, assuming it was for the torture her sister had put Hermione through, and been on her way.
“Taking a kip on the couch” she sighed, “You know how I feel about such things” Hermione froze at Narcissa’s statement, waiting for insults about how dreadfully peasant it was for Draco to allow his sons to sleep on a couch instead of gold gilded cribs to start rolling out. “It is highly improper for them to be sleeping on furniture unsafe such as a couch. What if they were to roll off and get injured!”
“Mother, they’re almost three years old, not three months old. Besides, they’ve been transitioning to a bed just fine” Draco ran another hand through his hair before turning towards Hermione. “I believe new introductions are to be made” he held his hand out for Hermione and she stepped into his hold, letting the warmth of his hand on her lower back steady her nerves.
“Hermione, my mother Narcissa Black. Mum, Hermione Granger” Narcissa was the first to extend her hand, a smile that was not familiar to Hermione graced Narcissa’s aristocratic features. Summoning that courage she’d seemed to lose over the years but was starting to find again, Hermione met Narcissa’s firm grip.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs.Black” Hermione said, a slight lie slipping past her lips. She had been told little by Harry and Theo about the oldest Malfoy, or Black now she supposed, just that she was in Draco’s life.
“Likewise, Mrs.Granger, but please call me Narcissa. While I can’t imagine you’ve heard much about me or heard much good, I’ve heard a litany of amazing things about you. I do recall my grandsons going on and on about a ‘Mini’ recently” Hermione bit her lip at the slight call out of a lie, she supposed the former Slytherin would be able to sniff one out just as well as the other two snakes she was keeping in close company.
“Then I’m not Mrs.Granger. I should hope we can keep the name Mini reserved for the boys, perhaps Hermione would work for you?” Hermione jested, hoping the interaction would be over soon.
The women dropped their hands and Hermione felt Narcissa’s scrutinizing eyes on her “And what brings you to Paris, Hermione?”
“Mother-” Draco went to intercept, but Hermione put her hand on his forearm again. The twins' birthday was coming up soon and the party committee(her, Harry, Theo, and Draco) had already started planning. She knew Narcissa and she would be meeting soon anyways, in fact it was probably better they do this before any celebration.
“It’s okay, Draco” she looked from his protective grey eyes to his mothers curious blue, “I realized the life I wanted for myself wouldn’t be found in England, so I decided to try somewhere else. I knew Harry was here in Paris and I missed my family. As I’m told, Theodore and I share a penchant for showing up on doorsteps like strays”
“And what life were you searching for in England that you hope to find here instead?” Narcissa questioned, her tone not harsh, but not exactly welcoming either. Still she hadn’t been insulted yet, so she’d take it. Narcissa was Scorpius’ and Sterlings only blood family they had left, and of course Draco’s mother. If Hermione's spot in the Malfoys' lives became permanent, she would much rather be friendly with Narcissa than enemies in any sense of the word.
Hermione’s eyes fell to Draco without her control before flickering back to Narcissa’s and she knew the woman had tracked the movement. “I’m not sure yet, but I think I’m getting close to figuring it out”
Narcissa nodded and let a small, almost imperceptible, smile pull at her lips. “Well I wish you the best of luck on your endeavors”
As if knowing the conversation was coming to an end, two little boys came shuffling into the room, their cheeks pink with fever. “Daddy” Sterling said, a small blankie clutched in his hand and dragging onto the floor. Scorpius seemed to notice Hermione between the two boys and without saying a word, went up to her with his arms up.
“Oh my sweet boy, look at you” Scorpius nuzzled into her neck, his skin warm.
“I has spots” he said sadly, lifting his arm for Hermione to take in the telltale green spots. She pushed his hair out of his face, taking in the poxs’ on his face too. She knew from experience how itchy the magical sickness made you.
“Your daddy told me you and Sterling weren’t feeling the best, but he came up with a great plan to help you feel better” Hermione said consolingly, looking over at Draco and Sterling, the latter staring at her with his full attention.
“Wha’ is it?” Scorpius asked, perking up just a bit.
Hermione gave Draco a devious smirk. While she’d been letting Draco argue which movie they’d watch, she’d had something up her sleeve(or in her bag) the entire time. “How does soup and a movie about lions sound?”
“Lions!” both Draco and Sterling said, though they were in different tones.
“Oh yes, it’s a movie about a little lion who has to be strong and protect his family against his uncle who is a bad lion” Hermione said to Sterling before looking back to his father, a triumphant look fixed on her face, “It’s called The Lion King”
A flutter of laughter came from the corner of the room. Hermione looked over to see Narcissa watching with her arms gently crossed, “Well I think you boys are in good hands. I’ll come back by tomorrow and see how my little loves are doing” She dropped a kiss on Draco’s cheek and then two kisses on her grandson’s cheeks.
“Hermione” she nodded, a small squeeze on her shoulder.
Feeling slightly more on common ground, Hermione dipped her chin back, “Narcissa” with goodbyes done, the woman swept out of the room, still dramatic as usual (she was a rich heiress afterall).
“So, The Lion King?” Hermione asked gleefully, catching Draco’s glare.
xXx
Hermione had been cleaning out their soup bowls when she felt a pair of strong hands grab her around the waist, “You think you’re slick, Mrs.Granger?” The twins had already been put down and they’d finally gotten to finish the Velveteen Rabbit. While they had been excited to hear the ending of the Velveteen Rabbit becoming a real rabbit, they had been too exhausted to celebrate for long. Afterwards, Draco had taken to cleaning up the living room while she took the kitchen.
She wasted no time in turning around to face Draco, wearing a look so smug that it would’ve rivaled his own during their Hogwarts days. “Not think”, sneakily she scooped some of the soap bubbles up, “I am slick” she said, wiping the white bubbles onto the tip of his nose.
“You witch!” he spluttered, wiping his nose on his sleeve.
Hermione put a hand on her hip, “Yes, I believe we established this at age eleven, Sherlock Holmes” she deadpanned. Instead of trying to get her back in anyway, Draco just stared at her. His face had always so hardened, and even nowadays he still had moments of thin lips and harsh eyes. But now his eyes were on hers and they were so lit and alive, she couldn’t look away, her own periphery blurring as she just focused on him.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m in a movie when I look at you” Draco whispered, his voice matching the softness of his eyes. “I never thought, I never thought you’d want me and honestly you probably shouldn’t. I should probably question your sanity over it, but I’m selfish and can’t fake not wanting you the way I do anymore” his hand traveled to her neck, tilting her head up just a tad more.
“I wasn’t lying about what I told your mother earlier. I wasn’t happy with my life, I was quite miserable in fact. I think I was searching for you, for this, and I didn’t even know it. I know this is fast and I’m not embarrassed to say I’m terrified, but it’s weird how beautiful it all is too” Hermione smiled, like she’d won some sort of contest.
“Like snow on the beach” he said, before leaning down and kissing her with so much wanting it felt like she fell into a reverie of some sorts. She returned the kiss with fervor, begging for his hands to roam everywhere, his touch making her dizzy.
Draco pulled away, bringing her back down to earth. “Stay the night? We won’t do anything. I’ve just…missed you” Hermione took in the darkening circles under his eyes and then she remembered what he’d said when she had asked about his nightmares.
“Do you sleep better now?”
“Not as well”
She looked at her bag still on the counter. The bag she’d packed was holding pajamas and a toothbrush, just in case. Draco missed having a restful night of sleep, and so did she. They’d brought each other peace in a way that Ronald never even tried, but the more she thought about it, she wasn’t sure he ever could’ve. “I’d like that” she agreed.
And as they snuggled under the covers in a bed that was far too big for two people, Hermione heard the echo of what Draco had said. Like snow on the beach. She was falling in love with the man wrapped around her, just like snow on the beach.