Everything the Light Touches

Draco was prepared to forget about the almost-kiss he shared with Hermione, but only whenever she wasn’t in sight. Her presence in the room with him felt suffocating, in the best possible way, as if she were the air that he needed to consume, if he could only get close enough. And he was perfectly content to act as if she was merely his sponsor, right up until he caught a whiff of her perfume, which would make his chest ache. He yearned for her in the way a starving man might yearn for a rich chocolate cake, even if it was too decadent for him and might make him unwell, he’d devour it anyway just for the satisfaction of it. And he would devour her, if she kept getting too close.

The delicious feeling of her skin against his as they passed in the hallway or reached for the same thing made him feel like an addict finally getting a fix. When the sound of her laughter filled the space between them he was certain his heart began to beat to its rhythm. Of course, she had no idea that he had begun to crave her so, it became his little secret that he nurtured through delusion alone. And that was the way he liked it; he could enjoy her so much more if she never had the chance to reject him. Though, he wouldn’t blame her if she did, he just wasn’t prepared for that possibility.

Weeks passed them by as he got used to the ebbs and flows of his new sentiment, and it was finally time to stand before the Wizengamot to retrieve his wand. They travelled together by Floo, and she stood firmly by his side the whole time, he felt lightheaded as she did. When they tried to deny him for several more weeks due to the removal of his ring she argued that it had been her fault, a disagreement that she caused. He didn’t interject, he couldn’t speak as he watched her fight tooth and nail for his rights and his wand. She grinned widely at him as they left, wand in hand and she took them for lunch at a nice new place in town.

“Are you packed and ready for our little holiday?” She asked him excitedly, bordering on giddy.

“Of course, I’m looking forward to it. What’s the plan?” He smiled at her as she began speaking again.

“Well, there’s enough bedrooms for us all to have our own rooms. The kitchen will be fully stocked when we arrive, food and booze alike. There’s a large pool area with a hot tub too! And there’s a games room. It’s basically just a week of whatever we want to do.” She thanked the waiter as he set down her food on the table.

“I just want to spend time with you.” He hummed. She rolled her eyes.

“All you ever do is spend time with me.” She clicked her tongue.

“Yep…” He gazed at her as she smiled and rolled her eyes again.

“Who would have thought that Draco Malfoy would spend his days wanting to be with me.” She chuckled.

“Two months ago, it was out of the question, but you’re quite the charmer Hermione Granger..” He grinned as both of them began to eat their lunch in comfortable silence.

Hermione hadn’t been lying about the size of the house, though it still wasn’t as big as the one he grew up in. It was, however, much more fun to live in. They’d arrived a few hours ago and he’d familiarised himself with each room and the layout before they chose where they were going to sleep. The couples got three of the four king-sized beds; Draco took the last one. Hermione and Romilda took smaller rooms that were closer to the balcony that overlooked the pool area, each room had a queen bed so at least they still had space to starfish he supposed. There were so many bathrooms that he could have used one each day and still not used them all by the time they left.

The kitchen was enormous, they could all fit in it without it feeling cramped as they made their first drinks of the day. There was so much skin showing that Draco felt slightly uncomfortable, it had been a long time since he’d seen a woman’s bare stomach. The rest of them he could handle but Hermione wandering around with a thin gown covering her stringy bikini was going to send him over the edge. He took a mouthful of Tequilla straight from the bottle as he watched Pansy blend together margaritas for the ladies. She tutted at him and batted his hands away from the rest of the bottles.

“Don’t be disgusting, pour yourself one!” She sneered.

“It was an emergency. I’m feeling much better now.” He grinned as she huffed her disapproval.

He poured himself a can of fizzy pop into a glass and took it outside to get comfortable, not wanting to overdo it on the first day. Harry and Neville were sat at the table on the patio, Theo was already laying on an inflatable lounger in the middle of the pool. Draco dipped his foot into the water as he passed and splashed Theo, who promptly told him to fuck off, before sitting down with the other two.

“I heard you got your wand back.” Harry stated.

“Yeah, it feels weird to have it back to be honest.” He shrugged.

“Is it like Pansy’s was? Restricted, I mean?” Neville asked.

“Yep. Years one through four at Hogwarts so, if you need a rat turning into a goblet, you know who to come to.” Draco raised his glass with a sly grin and took a sip.

“How’s things at Hermione’s? Pansy reckons you two get along like a house on fire which, if I’m being honest mate, was the last thing I expected!” Neville conversed as they waited for the women to appear from inside.

“Me neither to be honest. She’s a far better person than I ever gave her credit for.” He began, his mind wandering to the present she’d given him the night of their almost-kiss. “I’m just lucky she took a chance on me; Lord knows I didn’t deserve it.”

“Nah, you served your time and you’re a better person for it, I’m glad she got you out of there.” Harry raised his glass, and they all whooped a loud cheers, along with Theo all the way from the pool as the ladies stepped out of the door.

“What are we cheering?” Pansy asked as she perched herself on Neville’s lap, slipping a casual arm around his neck.

“Draco no longer being a dickhead!” Theo shouted from the pool.

“Oh, I’ll drink to that!” She said as she took a huge swig of her iced drink and winced at the strength of it.

Luna left her drink on the table and sauntered over to the edge of the pool, sitting with her legs inside of it and Theo paddled over to her. Ginny and Harry were the only ones not engaging in overt displays of affection, Draco figured the fact that she was pregnant was proof enough of such things. Romilda quickly took up the seat next to him and began chatting away, Hermione looked on, well aware of her game plan here and not at all annoyed about it.

No, Hermione was fine with one of her best friends sitting disgustingly close to the man she definitely did not have any feelings for whatsoever. She encouraged it in fact, they were both single and it was perfectly okay. She took her sunglasses from atop her head and put them on properly as she made her way over to the in-ground hot tub beside the pool. Had she been looking over she’d have seen the hungry eyes that roved her body as she disrobed and stepped into the water. But she wasn’t looking, because she didn’t even like him.

It didn’t escape Romilda that Draco had spent the entire first day watching Hermione like a man starved of air watches the surface of the water above him. The utmost desperation and no one else seemed to notice, but she didn’t mind, she didn’t want his heart. They had been right a month before when they had their girl’s night, he had become exceedingly more attractive as he aged. She’d gotten essentially no where on the first night but, she persisted.

Hermione noticed on the second day though. She’d taken up the spot on the inflatable lounger in the pool at midday, with sun protecting tan oil glistening on her skin, how could he not be practically salivating whilst he sat on the patio with the others. They’d decided to hide from the sun, under the awning, but Hermione was absolutely not going to miss out on prime tanning time. Her sunglasses were large with metal frames, the colour on them dark enough for her eyes not to be visible behind them. So, she watched him as he watched her. After a short while, just to be sure, she took a handful of water and poured it down herself to cool off. Then she smirked as he excused himself and went inside.

She thought he’d returned but when she looked over she saw the familiar frame of Blaise Zabini instead.

“Waheey there he is!” Theo cheered as he bounded over to give him one of the least graceful hugs Hermione had ever seen. “How have you been man?”

Suddenly, Romilda had a different target as she looked over to Hermione and mouthed ‘oh my god!’ at her, eliciting a small laugh from her. Blaise really was a handsome man, the worst of them always were. He was tall and built with muscle, his skin darker than usual thanks to the summer sun and his hazel eyes had always been swoon worthy. He was wearing black slacks with a white shirt, sleeves rolled up and some fancy shoes.

“I’ve just finished up the financial agreement of the season, and I am ready to driiiink.” He and Theo laughed together as they made their way inside to do just that.

“Where the fuck did Blaise come from?” Draco’s voice came from the balcony above. Suddenly Hermione felt all too exposed, she wondered if he’d been up there the whole time, watching.

“He just pops up occasionally when he wants some attention.” Pansy called back at him.

“Same old Blaise we always knew then..” He chuckled as he leaned his elbows on the railings. “Has anyone ever jumped from here before?” He pushed himself back several strides as Hermione began to panic.

“Don’t you dare! Don’t you fucking dare Malfoy!” She yelled, trying to scoot to the edge of the pool without getting too wet in the process, the water was freezing.

              But he did, he ran full pelt and leapt over the railing with surprising ease, but Hermione didn’t get a chance to appreciate that, nor the chance to escape the splash he made on impact. She let out a shrill scream as the water rained down on her, even the others got caught with it but laughed at the sight of Hermione regardless. Theo had just crossed the threshold of the door as it happened, Pansy saw his immediate delight and yelled at him not to, but he was already bounding up the stairs. Hermione looked around for Draco, but he hadn’t come up to the surface, she panicked slightly before she felt him beneath the lounger and screamed again as he capsized her. Immediately he pulled her into a bridal carry and lifted her out of the water, kicking and screaming.

“DRACO!” She howled. “I said don’t!” He rocked his head back slightly as he laughed aloud. “Put me down!” She squirmed against him.

“Are you sure?” He asked, still chuckling to himself as he dropped her back into the water.

“No!” She fumbled her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek against his, desperate not to end up with her head under again. Barely a moment later, Theo cannon balled into the water as Pansy emerged onto the balcony and scalded him over the balcony as if he were a child.

Eventually both Hermione and Draco were situated on the lounger, a drink in hand each, floating in peace again. She lay back onto his chest as he played with a loose curl, nattering between themselves as the others played an extremely rowdy card game. Draco had made his peace with the idea of this friendship over the last couple of weeks, but he felt himself sinking into this moment like quicksand. He knew this moment had him by the heart, and he didn’t realise it until it was over, when he was lay in bed alone that night.

The weather turned on the third day, which they were glad of since most of them had sunburnt shoulders, foreheads and noses. Draco was pulled from his slumber to the loud rumblings of everyone making breakfast, he stood at the bottom of the stairs and watched on as his newly adopted friends provided a great amount of morning entertainment.

Pansy had pancake batter in her hair and Neville was dusted in a thick layer of flour for the trouble of trying to help her. Ginny was sat at the kitchen island inhaling a bowl of fruit and yogurt at warp speed whilst Harry fumbled about cutting up as much fruit as humanly possible ready for everyone else. Romilda, Luna and Theo stood in a line on the far side of the room making drinks of all varieties ready for immediate consumption. Hermione and Blaise were no where to be seen. He made his way down the hall, content to just sit in the living room and wait instead of adding another body to the chaos.

He stopped by the door when he noticed two bodies on the oversized sofa, laying at opposite ends but legs entwined. He decided that the kitchen was probably the best place for him, after all, that’s where the alcohol was. He took a champagne flute filled with mimosa and downed it in one. Romilda gave him a concerned look as she glanced over the people in the room and realised who was missing, she passed him another with a gentle smile.

“Go easy on that, don’t fancy having to babysit you all night like Hermione with Blaise.” She teased. “She’s a godsend that woman, no one else bothered.” He nodded and slowed down but he knew what she was doing, and it wasn’t going to make him feel better.

Draco hadn’t dealt with feelings such as jealousy for a very long time, he didn’t know why it had to feel so visceral. He supposed that was the price humans paid, you can’t have the good without the bad. Yesterday had felt overwhelmingly wonderful, which only left him wide open to the whirlwind of emotions he felt right now. She wasn’t his; she never had been and likely never would be. She deserved better and they both knew it. Which served up an unhealthy layer of guilt and shame for the thoughts he was now having towards Blaise, though he resolved to be petty and just make his cranny itch at random intervals for the rest of the day.

Hermione appeared at the door just as he was finishing his second alcoholic drink of the day before 10am. She smiled and bid him good morning before slipping a hangover potion into her pocket and picking up two mugs of coffee. Ten minutes later they were all sat around the dining room table tucking into the food everyone had painstakingly laboured over. Blaise looked a little worse for wear still, but everyone else had cheered up and spirits for the day were high.

The women peeled off to watch films in the living room area as the men went to play pool in the games room. Draco had never had the chance to learn how to play it, so he asked if he could join the others. Their approval was loud and joyous. Apparently the first film on the roster was The Notebook, which he didn’t think sounded so bad. Less than two hours later he realised that the ladies must have been gluttons for punishment, since there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. His included.

“Ugh. It gets me every time..” Ginny cried, the most emotional of all of them, naturally.

“Imagine being loved like that.” Hermione breathed as she sunk deeper into the sofa. Draco couldn’t help but internally scream.

“I am..” Pansy stated wistfully, Romilda pushed her shoulder with her foot.

“Shut uuuup!” She whined.

“Theo asked me to marry him..” Luna piped up from beside Draco. Audible gasps rang out around him as they begged to know what she said. “I said yes obviously!”

Cheering erupted in the room and even he got swept up in the moment, congratulating her and then leaping over the sofa to the games room. He slammed the door open and pointed at Theo immediately.

“YOU!” He hollered as he ran towards him and embraced him unabashedly. Leaving the others bewildered. “Congratulations man!” Theo grinned widely as he turned to tell the others, who began cheering as well.

The celebrations began right away, music blearing, alcohol flowing, dancing, singing, everything. The spirits were high, and everyone was abuzz with joy. Theo set up beer pong, Pansy made her famous margaritas, and Harry declined every drink offered to him in solidarity with his wife. But if there was one thing Ginny Potter had perfected over these months it was sober fun, and Harry was just along for the ride. She danced, played ping pong (passing her drinks on) and played as DJ for most of the day. Theo was in his element once all the ladies started dancing and it didn’t take him long to get everyone else to join in.

Draco stood on the outside of the writhing mass of bodies, still not entirely comfortable with the physical proximity to so many people. He caught Hermione’s eye – mainly because he barely looked away – a few times and she made her way over to him. Ginny conveniently put a slower song on, and they swayed to the music. The rest had been a blur for them after that, clinking glasses, rowdy chanting, group hugs and far too much to drink. Romilda had stayed rather close to him all day, spreading her attention between him and Blaise mostly. Draco woke up the following morning beside her in his bed.

Hermione felt awful from the moment she opened her eyes, tongue like sandpaper and head roaring. She stepped out of her bedroom and down the hall to the bathroom and drank tap water before plodding back to her bed. A door opened right next to her, making her jump out of her skin almost. Romilda. From Draco’s bedroom.

“Morning..” Romilda mumbled as she closed the door behind her and scurried off as Hermione merely groaned in her direction.

She went back to bed with an increasingly heavy feeling in her chest and found herself unable to rest at all. Eventually she abandoned the whole idea of it and made her way downstairs for a hangover potion and copious amounts of coffee. From room to room she went, clearing up the chaos left behind with a simple wave of her wand. The weight in her chest became mangled with frustration and confusion. Why did she even care if Romilda had been with Draco? It was simply none of her business. She had chosen not to address the lingering almost-kiss they’d had; she had no right to expect anything from him. He owed her nothing, she knew that. Alas, the feeling wouldn’t let up. Maybe she should have admitted how she felt before now. She stopped dead in her tracks as she wondered if it was too late to do so now that this had happened. Whatever this had been.

The sky was clear that morning, it was 9am and she decided to go for a shower before the rest of the day began. She was accosted by Draco as she left the bathroom wearing only a towel.

“Morning..” He said politely and she merely grumbled in return. “Can we speak?”

“Theres nothing to speak about.” She stated as she passed him and rushed towards her door.

“Hermione..” He called after her.

“Honestly, I don’t even want to hear it, so please spare me.” She snapped before closing the door behind her.

She dressed herself in a lightweight matching shorts and vest top combo before using her wand to fix her hair. As she left her room she wondered what on Earth she had done wrong in a previous life, she could not catch a break. Romilda was stood outside her own door that stood opposite Hermione’s.

“Hermione, about this morning..” She started.

“It’s none of my business what either of you do.” She stated factually and made to walk away. Romilda laid a hand on her upper arm to stop her.

“You really should speak to Draco about it..” She insisted.