A Short Story Is A Love Affair

“You’re like a Firebolt, Hermione. Quick, breathtaking to look at, and totally out of my league. I’d be honoured if you’d accept my invitation to dinner so we might discuss the upcoming law.” Hermione read out loud from her place on the sofa, comfy under her blanket next to the pile of letters she’d received. 

Draco snorted. “He’s not wrong, you are out of his league.” 

“It’s not the worst line I’ve had.” She pointed out, glancing up at him. Her cold feet were nestled beneath his warm thigh, and he was helping her note down contact details so she could send polite yet firm rejections. 

“Marry him then.” He shot back facetiously, not looking up from his parchment.

She rolled her eyes before picking up the next letter. “You don’t need to cast Accio on my heart, as it is already yours. Is there a book these men are buying with all of these in?”

“Why? Are they working?” Draco asked with a smirk.

“Clearly I’m all of a dither.” She said flatly. 

“Dearest Granger, won’t you allow me to slither into your chamber of secr-” He didn’t get to finish his teasing as she launched a cushion at his head. “I don’t know why I put up with you. You’re so mean to me.” He pouted dramatically, and she chuckled as she saw the name on the next proposal. 

“Zabini’s written.” She smiled innocently at Draco, who immediately snatched the letter from his friend. 

“Fucking arsehole.” He muttered as he scanned the contents. “He knows about us. He’s done this on purpose.” 

“Yes, I felt that much was obvious.” She replied in a tone she knew he hated. He shot her a withering look which confirmed as much. Smiling, she opened the next letter. Her smile faded as she read, and then the photo dropped out onto her blanket and she shrieked. “Oh! Disgusting!” She flung the offending item away from her, but Draco quickly accio’d it back again, his jaw clenched. 

“Are you alright? I was worried somebody might send you something like this.” 

Hermione nodded. “I was expecting it in general, but that one just surprised me is all. It’s fine, Draco.” 

“It’s really not fine, Granger.” He said. 

“I’m not sure I’d send out photos of myself if I looked like that.” She said after a moment, shuffling closer to him.

“Somebody’s inflated his ego.” He agreed, before incendio’ing the photo and slinging his arm around her. “I’m sorry men are disgusting.” 

“Me too. You’re not, though, so that’s something.” 

"Are you a Portkey? Because the moment I touched you, I was transported somewhere magical." He whispered, and she snorted. 

“Maybe these lines do work, after all.” 

“They work when I say them because you’re obsessed with me.”

“Hey, Malfoy? Do you know Legilimency? Because you’ve definitely been on my mind all day." She smirked up at him and he laughed, before growing more serious.

“I can’t wait to marry you.”

Hermione smiled. “Me neither.”