Dinner
Draco smirked down at her. After receiving her note, he took it to mean literally anytime and gave into his urge to see her again. Why not? A small leap of faith he had hoped would pay off. He wasn't entirely sure if she'd appreciate seeing so much of him but he couldn't help himself.. she'd say no if she wanted. He watched as she took in his dark jeans and green v neck long sleeve tee shirt and thought well perhaps this will pay off more than anticipated but he pushed that thought away knowing in the current situation she'd need to be the one to suggest it. He had no idea if she was even close to moving on romantically or sexually for that matter but wanted to woo her and spend time by her side all the same. It felt just like when they were at Hogwarts except this time there was no Ronald sending her letters every day, no red haired Pollock – just her. If he has one, this may be his only chance. He wouldn't waste it.
Once over her surprise, she let him in taking the bottle of Firewhiskey he had brought and leading him to the kitchen. Even in loose joggers he could appreciate her bum.
She set down the bottle and got two glasses indicating he pour them drinks. He popped open the bottle and pouring them both a generous helping.
"Are you trying to get me drunk again Malfoy?"
Yes "Perhaps" he said, thankful that it was Friday and that she would be allowed to relax.
She smiled and toasted him. Clinking glasses, they both took a sip. She hummed appreciatively as he asked "So, Whatcha cookin for me?" He asked, quirking an eyebrow. She took another sip and turned around to check the cabinets and fridge. "Well, I don't have much on hand since you didn't let me prepare" She turned and gave him a playful glare then turned back. "Well, I could make some fish and rice or pasta puttanesca. Your choice."
Draco took a sip and considered for a moment. "Pasta. Can I help?"
She smiled warmly up at him. Clearly not having expected him to offer his assistance. "I won't argue with that, but.. you know how to cook?" She asked gently.
He laughed "I've been on my own for a while Hermione, I had to eat" He said still laughing. She remained thoughtful for a moment. Perhaps Draco had changed even further since they had been at school together. She knew for a fact that the manor had house elves and that, really, he had no reason to cook for himself. She looked down as she was grabbing a pot from a bottom cupboard and realized she was still wearing her joggers. Her face warming, she stood bolt upright. "uhh..." She stammered, suddenly embarrassed. "Let me change first.." She muttered.
Before Draco could tell her she was fine as she was, she was gone. He heard a distant thud which must have been her door closing and he laughed again. Grabbing the pot he filled it up with water from the sink and set it on the cook top. Waiting for her to return he drifted out of the kitchen and into the living room. He looked around appreciatively and saw that there was a powder room down a small hallway that lead to what appeared to be a sun room of sorts. In front of him was the living room. A grand fireplace took up the majority of the room as did worn sofas that looked old in the best way. The walls were lined with mahogany book shelves that were all but full. This made him smile. He had always wanted to show Hermione the library at the Manor but had never had any real reason to take her there. Perhaps now he would. She'd enjoy it as it was really just a larger version of this room.
Scattered throughout the shelves were photos. Most magical but some muggle and un-moving. He rolled his eyes and fought the urge to turn down a photo of Hermione with Harry and Ronald at graduation but stopped at a photo of Hermione and her parents at the same event. This photo was muggle. He smiled remembering how happy Hermione had been when half way through their last year Harry had sent word that they had found her parents and restored their memories. Next to this was a photo of her with her parents again but this photo must have been before their Hogwarts days. Before he ever spit unkind words in her face. Probably before she knew she was a witch. She was sitting on her fathers lap and looking up at him with such adoration. He smiled. A part of him, however deep down, couldn't wait to have a little tyke to look at him like that. Inwardly he wondered what kind of mother Hermione would be. She'd be a loving and nurturing mother he knew. And would be likey to have a daughter who is a carbon copy of her, personality included. While Draco was imagining life as a father Hermione walked into the living room and stood next to him.
"That's my fathers favorite picture" She said quietly
He was startled for a moment but smiled at her "I can see why" he said. Looking down at her he saw that she had changed into dark jeans phew, so tight he thought. Her blouse was floral and flowy. Her hair was the same but he noticed she had freshened up her face. "You looked fine before but you do look lovely in that top, kitten" He said quietly not lost on how close they were standing, now.
She smiled and looked down. He wished she hadn't. "Thank you" she said quietly. He wondered why she never took well to his compliments. In that moment he vowed to make sure she got much more used to being complimented. Looking at him for a moment she seemed to collect herself. She clapped her hands together. "Time to cook, yeah?" she said heading back into the kitchen.
He followed her, drink still in hand and glanced again at her bum. umpf he thought. Trying desperately to will his hand not to move of it's own volition and touch it. The click of the stove's burner brought his attention back to the task at hand. "Okay, what can I do?" He asked.
"there are some sausages and mushrooms in the fridge and onions on the counter, could you chop some up?" she asked smiling at him.
"Yes chef"
They worked in comfortable silence for a while and finished dinner easily. Hermione stepped into the dining room and suddenly Draco noticed that music flowed between both the dining room and the kitchen. Deciding to eat at the kitchen island Hermione grabbed to the two candle sticks from the center of the dining room table. She winked playfully as she set them on the island and lit both wandlessly. With a wiggle of her fingers the kitchen lights dimmed and she sat down as Draco placed a plate down for each of them. Once sat down to eat they were unable to stop smiling at each other as they dug into their meal. With only the glow of two candles between them they were both thinking of how well they worked together. How in sync they seemed to be even after not seeing each other for so long.
It was Draco who broke the silence not long after they had sat. "So, you've quite improved your wandless magic since our last year at school" He said giving her a mischievous look.
"Yes, well, I'm a very powerful witch you know" Hermione stated looking at Draco seriously. They both laughed. "Yes, I've come a long way since our study sessions Draco. I'm sure you have as well" She gasped as the pepper shaker zoomed silently pass her head, shifting a strand of hair as it flew into Draco's hand. He winked at her and she giggled. "I'm quite powerful too Hermione" He said lowly and she blushed wondering if he had meant what she was thinking not that Hermione. A Classy man does NOT have such thoughts at dinner! Honestly..
"You know I never thanked you properly for those tutoring sessions Draco - back at school. Wandless magic has come in handy on countless occasions at work." She blushed "I'm glad you convinced me to let you tutor me"
Draco Scoffed. "I specifically remember you stating that if I called it tutoring you'd hex my balls off"
Hermione laughed "Well, I guess I had a complex about accepting help didn't I? Either way, If we hadn't been paired off in class so often then, we wouldn't be sitting here now, would we?"
Draco studied her for a moment. "Nah, I think we'd still be sitting right here. Together" he said seriously - still gazing at her.
She smiled and looked down at her fork that she was using to push around the last few bites of her dinner.
Before he could stuff his last bite in his mouth Draco asked "What are you doing tonight, Granger?"
She looked up at him, apprehension and excitement bubbling up in her at the same time. At Hogwarts he called her kitten when trying to be sweet and Granger when being a deviant or mischievous. He must have sensed her misgivings because he chuckled. "Calm down, We're grown ups now - We can't get in trouble. Come have some drinks with me" She took a bite as he said that and nodded "That .. We could do that" he chuckled again as she shoved the last bite in her mouth and chewed quickly. eager, this one. He thought to himself.
Hermione waved her hand and their dishes flew gently into the sink, the music stopped and as they walked into the living room the candles snuffed themselves out. Walking towards the door and their coats Hermione suggested they go to the three broomsticks for a bit of nostalgia. Draco nodded and helped her into her coat before putting on his own.
As they walked out of the door Draco noticed she didn't lock it, manually or magically. She noticed him looking at her quizzically. She smirked. "I've got so many protective charms on this location that no one could get to the front door if they were unwanted and even if they managed that, myself and the auror department would be here within 30 seconds. 15 with our last drill. " She nodded smugly "No point in locking a door that would only appear to people I dont want to keep out" Draco raised his eyebrows at her. He wanted to know more but settled for "Impressive. Good to know I'm one of the people you want." He smirked at her indignation as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and disapparated.
When their feet landed soundly in Hogsmede Draco continued their conversation. "I know I saw you using keys, Hermione." "oh that," she said "when I go in the front door I just like to .. " she sighed. "Muggle things, you know? The door would have opened for me without them." She shrugged hopping he didnt know of the entirely muggle act of fiddling with keys to extend a date. Or maybe get a kiss. Suddenly, Hermione wondered out-loud "I wonder if our table is still open. Remember how Rosmerta always saved it for us?" Draco smiled down at her, not removing his arm and said "maybe"
They walked into the bar which was quite busy given it was a Friday night. Rosmerta did in fact have their table open and she smiled broadly at them when she saw them together. "Two firewhiskeys on me dears" She said, leaving the drinks and scurrying off to whatever loud wizard was now calling for her. Seated together in a small booth in the far back Draco and Hermione smiled at each other. Hermione had no idea what Draco was thinking but all she could think about was how she felt as if they were back in time. Back to their last year at Hogwarts together. Back to late night study sessions and easy strolls around the grounds. It felt just like that, but better.
A few drinks later Draco was laughing hysterically at Hermione's reaction to the discussion happening at the booth behind her. A woman, clearly a prostitute, was trying to convince a man to go upstairs with her. Hermione's face turned bright red as prices were discussed and she covered her face and wide eyes as the girl offered to "throw in a handy for free" before leading the man away.
"How Bold" she mouthed to Draco.
She shook her head as if to rid her memory of the negotiations having just taken place so close to her and looked at Draco who was trying and failing to keep a strait face. He gave her an apologetic look hoping she knew he was laughing at her per se.. "She was rather convincing" he drawled.
Hermione raised her eyebrows "Oh will you be next in line?" she asked.
He made a face "NO!" He said perhaps a bit too loud and he shook his head "No no, I just enjoy watching you squirm, and I can appreciate her .. negotiating skills"
She smirked at him "Yes I suppose you would appreciate those skills Mr. I convince people my name is really Dragon"
Draco burst out laughing at that "Love, I don't convince people I'm called Dragon at home - I convinced you I was called Dragon."
Hermione scoffed and downed the rest of her glass "Well Draco does stand for Dragon! How was I to know?"
"Now, now" Draco said "It's okay to admit defeat sometimes" He said and winked at her.
She had been trying hard to ignore him calling her love until he winked at her. That was it. Butterfly's erupted in her stomach. She put her hands in her lap and squirmed as he scooted the smallest bit closer to her. He had his arm up around the back of the booth so it felt very much like it did when they walked in. His arm, while normal size, made her feel as if shes the safest person in the world and she liked it being close to her. Her subconscious scooted her body closer still.
"You know," he was nearly purring in her ear and it sent goosebumps along her skin and a tingle down her spine to her panties "I couldn't say it earlier but these drinks must have given me some Gryffindor courage - Your wandless magic skills were a huge turn on, kitten. I'd love to see what else you can do"
Rosmerta slipped in two more drinks at some point while they were staring at each other and Hermione downed hers in that moment. He was slowly taking another sip and she watched his face as he did so. He was so handsome, so perfectly, angelically handsome and here he was with her whispering somewhat suggestive, although also somewhat academic, things in her ear. And Merlin where those words doing things to her. Putting down his glass she saw his muscles ripple under his shirt. She bit her lip and took a moment longer to appreciate his tousled hair and how it fell and how it framed his face. She looked into his grey eyes that seemed so dark in this moment and her body moved of it's own volition. Her hands somehow found the back of his neck and her lips found his and they crashed together. It felt ike two suns in a far off galaxy colliding creating a big bang of cosmic proportions and she wished to stay in this moment forever.
Neither saw the flash of a camera a few tables over.