A New Beginning
Draco let out a loud sigh and plopped himself down on his sofa. He watched Hermione kick off her shoes and place them near her bag which was hanging on his coat-rack. As if the hook had been waiting for her to occupy it. May have to make room during coat season though he thought. She walked over to him slowly as he spread both arms across the back of the sofa. Her stocking feet made silent steps on the marble in his direction. He enjoyed watching her hips and dress sway with each step. When she reached his side she sat gingerly down on the couch next to him, tucking her feet comfortably beneath her. He wrapped his arms around her and they sat in comfortable silence for a while, their heartbeats matching.
"When is our interview tomorrow?" she asked quietly.
He sighed softly, "Lunchtime. I thought we'd have her over to my office. I didn't want her here and I assumed it was a bad idea to have the meeting at your office. Or at least that you would not prefer it."
Hermione nodded "Still, I wish I could just squish the little bug" she lifted her hands smashing a fist into the opposite palm.
Draco chuckled softly but then his eyebrows knitted together.
"You’re cute when you’re violent. But.. When you say bug.."
"Yes, I know Rita is an Animagus and I know you know." she said nonchalantly.
He felt her sigh against him and snuggle in closer as if she was a cat trying to get comfortable for a nap in the sun.
my little kitten, he thought.
"I found out her secret during the triwizard, held her in a jar until we got to London after term ended."
"You.. You held her in a jar..?" he asked, clearly surprised.
"Yes, in bug form obviously. I charmed the jar so she couldn't transform and .. well I suppose I blackmailed her into not writing about us.. clearly only lasted a few years... "
He stared, dumbfounded, at the top of her head. "You are.. “ he laughed “You are unbelievable”
She laughed loudly at that. "I suppose. We got into quite a bit of mischief" She admitted sleepily.
Draco scoffed, "A bit? More than my lot."
She nodded against his side. "Sometimes you have to break the rules when the other side doesn't bother to follow them." Hermione said sleepliy.
He nodded. She had a good point. for the greater good suddenly popped into his head. It was then that he realized she did nearly everything for the greater good. Perhaps that's why Kingsley had so eagerly groomed her for minister. Why she was so widely accepted by the wizarding world, despite her being a muggleborn. They saw it too - even the purebloods. She continuously put everything and everyone before herself. If Rita's book and the rumors were true, Dumbledore had acted out of guilt. Of fear that certain events were his fault or due somehow to his mistakes, his weaknesses. He had countless secrets and He thought it was about him. Hermione, however, was good because she was good. Nothing she did was ever selfish. She had known suffering, by his own family and himself for that matter, and yet she was good. Inherently good. She wanted the best for everyone and everything and if someone didn't have a voice she used hers. Even today, She did what was right.
"Hermione?"He asked softly.
"Hmm?”
He shifted so that he could hoist her into his lap. Her legs were over his and her head was resting on his shoulder now. Her breath tickled his neck. Her hand on his chest.
"I do adore you, Hermione." He whispered.
She hummed sleepily again and cuddled into him, wrapping her arm around his middle. "Thank you for being there today. I know it was .. weird. And thanks for calling in Theodore. He did a good job. That made things much easier for us. Although I can't help but feel as if there is something else afoot."
"mm" Draco grunted. He readily agreed and Potter did as well but they wouldn't be solving it tonight.
Hermione took a deep breath and Draco felt her shift under his arm. His head had fallen back on the back of the sofa and so he pulled his head up to look at her.
"When can I move in?" she asked.
His eyes went wide and he broke out into a bright grin. Not a second later his lips were on hers.
🖤
Draco and Hermione sat together on the sofa in Draco's office. The sitting area on the left half of his office, opposite his desk was plush. He liked to use it for more casual meetings with his staff. There was a sofa against the wall, two chairs on either side - facing each other - and a loveseat facing the sofa. A small table was in the middle. Hermione fiddled with her fingers and stared out the massive windows as Draco's assistant announced Rita had arrived, two minutes late.
She burst through the door with a flourish and Hermione rolled her eyes but forced her hands to still. She was seated before Draco's assistant could even ask if she wanted water. Rita sat back in the chair, looking far too comfortable as Draco glared at her.
"So you two lovelies have some news, do you?"
Hermione squinted at her hotly but Draco could feel her taking deep calming breaths next to him. "Lets not play games here, Rita." Draco said icily. "We all know why you're here and it's to get this over with so you can keep your pointy nose out of our business in the future. Ask what you want to ask or leave."
Rita rolled her eyes. "Now, now. get that knot out of your wand. Besides, I'm not the only one here with a pointy nose. First." She said turning her attention to Hermione. "Are you quiet well? I heard that there was a bit of an incident with your .. mm.. ex husband." Rita said, mocking concern.
"Yes, Rita. I am quite well. Thank you for asking."
Rita nodded. "Well, I'm sure you can surmise that our readers are very concerned and curious as to what happened." She said, finally pulling out her Quick Quotes Quill.
Draco and Hermione both took a deep breath. Picking at her finger nails, Hermione spoke. "Well, Rita. As you know Ronald and I divorced nearly four months ago now. Last weekend Ronald reacted rather unfavorably to the surprise gossip article you published about the two of us. You took away my chance to tell him properly. While I will not divulge the exact nature of his actions myself as it is a very private matter I'd like to say that he acted very out of character. As we all know Mr. Weasley helped rid our world of Lord Voldemort. Let us not forget his service. I'd also like to point out that were Mr. Weasley and myself not as well known as other wizards, these actions would not even be known to the public, and i’d have been left to deal with the situation myself."
Rita nodded. "I've been told there was a trial due to Mr. Weasley's actions and that you were a witness. Your mutual friend Harry Potter was involved in the trial as well, is that right?"
"We were both involved in the trail as the Wizengamot saw fit."
Rita hummed, narrowing her eyes. "Did Mr. Weasley hurt you, Minister? What was he on trial for?"
Hermione suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and sighed instead. now she calls me Minister. "It is public record that Mr. Weasely was charged with battery. My testimony as a witness is also now public record. In that testimony I advised the court that Mr. Weasley was heavily intoxicated and I also described some symptoms of Alcoholism and PTSD. I am no expert and I encourage your readers to do their own research as this is a complex topic, however, I will say that many of us who fought in the war still suffer from PTSD. Even those who didn't fight. Myself included.” the anxious fiddling had increased so Draco reached over and placed his hand over both of hers.
“I'm sure you can surmise that fighting and surviving a war can have very detrimental effects on the brain. Alcohol can also exacerbate mental health issues, especially in those dealing with trauma. Many Wizards view alcohol as rather harmless to them when in reality it's very addicting and inhibits our mental capability both in real time and when trying to process the past. I believe this is something the Wizarding world should know. It is something all Muggle’s learn as young adults. Despite the fact that we've beaten down the arms of oppression, again, Wizards still seem to think that they're stronger as humans than Muggles and that's simply not true. We fall victim to many of the same health issues and we should just count ourselves lucky to be immune to some. Instead most wizards are woefully uneducated about the human mind and body. The ministry will be making an effort to educate Wizards, both adults and children, about alcoholism and mental health in the years to come as well as basics on human biology. And I'm sure you, Rita, will look forward to being a part of that. Your readers will soon understand that what they see as "Muggle issues" are in fact human issues. We are only as weak as we are naive."
Rita was quiet for a moment, taking in what Hermione had said. "You're being annoyingly vague, Hermione." Rita said. It felt rather that Rita had ignored the more important part. Hermione just shrugged in response and Rita cleared her throat. "The prophet will be happy to publish any articles or pamphlets you'd like. We'll keep in touch about that. " Rita nodded with a thoughtful expression.
Hermione could practically feel Draco smirking next to her. Draco cleared his throat and shifted to reach around Hermione to put his arm behind her on the back of the couch. This caught Rita's attention and she smirked at the pair.
"Now on to more fun news..Tell us loves, how did this happen" She said, wagging a finger between the two.
Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes as she looked to Draco. He laughed at her facial expression and turned to look at Rita. "Animal Magnetism." he said and Hermione laughed out loud.
"You seem rather comfortable together, Is this new or have you been seeing each other a while?"
Hermione took another deep breath. "This is new, Rita. Draco and I only ran into each other a few weeks ago." Draco nodded in confirmation.
"In fact, " Hermione started icily, "You and your readers found out about it before the majority of our loved ones."
"Well, You look very nice together. Quite lucky you are to nab this one off the market." Rita said jabbing her thumb in Draco's direction. Hermione let a small smile grace her face as she glanced at Draco who was smirking with bright eyes in her direction.
"Now Rita, I've told you before I'm not the playboy you made me out to be" He said.
"Mm," Rita hummed "Waiting for the right one perhaps?" she asked smirking at Draco who was still looking at Hermione with shining silver eyes.
"Perhaps" he said quietly. Hermione's cheeks reddened at this. "Is that all Rita, or do your readers still have questions? Perhaps they'd like to know what kind of deodorant I use?" Draco quipped, finally looking at Rita again.
"No, that's all. Thank you both very much for your time" Draco swore he heard her mumble "but I'll be waiting for a wedding announcement" as she gathered her things. She had just reached the door when Hermione called out "If I see our names in your gossip column again after tomorrow without approving the article you can say goodbye to those exclusive pamphlets, Rita. I plan to make a lot of them."
Rita froze open mouthed for a moment in the doorway before smiling at Hermione. "Well played minister. You have my word." Hermione nodded to her as she left Draco's office.
Draco let out a whistle. "Well that was rather less painful than I anticipated"
Hermione hummed in agreement. "Yes I suppose I deflected rather well." Draco put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"Still worried?" He asked softly, his warm breath tickling her ear.
Hermione leaned into him. "A bit. We don't know what she'll print." She sighed heavily. "Still though, that's done. Truths out." She said, turning her face to offer him a soft smile which he reciprocated. They sat together in a comfortable silence for a while. Draco could feel Hermione relaxing next to him. Getting out of Minister mode no doubt.
"Still taking the afternoon off?" He asked a few moments later. She hummed and nodded in response. "Gin is going to meet me at my old place and help me move some of my stuff over to yours." She said as she stood up slowly, stretching a bit.
Draco beamed at her. "Make sure she doesn't leave any of that red hair lying around on my beautiful floors. And you'll do well to leave that old fart of a cat at your flat."
Hermione squared her shoulders and put her nose to the sky as she turned to walk out of Draco's office. "Fine. Than you shall not find me in your tub when you get home." she said haughtily as she left.
"Damn" Draco muttered amusingly.
🖤
After leaving Draco's office Hermione walked a few blocks, stopping at a small cafe to grab coffees and muffins. She then walked around to the back ally and aparated to the small garden in front of her flat. Ginny was already waiting on her front step, smiling softly.
"I thought you may want a hand to hold when you walked in. Don't worry, I haven't been waiting long." Ginny said gently, receiving a nod in response. Hermione put her muffins and coffee in one hand and used her other to lace her fingers in Ginny's as her friend opened the front door. Despite the Aurors having cleaned up after themselves the flat still seemed so chaotic. Hermione first spotted a few drops of blood on the carpet and she shuddered. Taking a deep breath she pointedly turned her head away and made her way to the kitchen. Perhaps a muffin will steady me, She thought. She set the bag down on the counter and grabbed one of the two chocolate chip muffins and began to eat it a bit more fervently than she usually might. Ginny raised her eyebrows but said nothing as she did the same. About halfway through the muffin Hermione was feeling better. She took a sip of coffee and said "okay, lets just do it, where do I start?"
"Well you can start by telling me congratulations!" Ginny said with her hands on her still flat stomach and Hermione looked up grinning widely.
"Yes! I knew it! Congratulations Ginny." She said and laughed as Ginny shoved the last of her muffin in her mouth.
"Fank oo"
Hermione laughed again and stepped closer to her best friend to warp her in a long, tight hug. As she pulled away began to frown as she asked "I'll still be Aunt Hermione won't I? I mean.."
Ginny pulled Hermione into a hug and said "of course, always"
This made Hermione smile and squeeze her friend again. "Lets get me moved into Draco's" Hermione said as she pulled away.
Ginny nodded and they got to work packing up Hermione's kitchen because "Draco's bound to have nearly empty cabinets" , her bathroom and bedroom and lastly all of her books. "Draco's library is quite impressive but.. " Hermione sighed dreamily "Imagine both of ours combined" She said smiling as her voice trailed off. Ginny chucked and grabbed a box.
"I can leave the rest since this is still the Minister's flat.. Harry suggested we use it for visiting dignitaries. I'll have to spruce it up a bit over time.." She glanced at the shelves and mantle that still had photos of her and Ron's life together. She had successfully avoided the reminders of him in their bedroom but a sadness at their failed marriage ran through her. Letting it come and then letting it go she turned to Gin and said "Oh Gin! put down those boxes! I'll get the books, you get those blankets!"
Ginny scoffed and rolled her eyes muttering something foul as she carried her pile of blankets towards the floo.
🖤
With the last of her important possessions moved into Draco's house and Ginny off to her own home to wait for Harry, Hermione smiled and looked around the living room.
"Home" She said quietly to herself as Crookshanks wound between her legs, rubbing himself on her calf affectionately.
Clearly he's happy here Hermione thought. Smiling even more widely to herself she thought I think I will be too
She decided to wait until Draco got home to finish unpacking so that she could make him help her and made her way to the bathroom they now shared. Sighing happily as she looked at the bathtub she'd been picturing all day she waved her hand to start the water and stripped down. She eased herself into the water and watched as the tub slowly filled to the top.
Once the tub had filled she leaned back, resting her head on the back of the tub and slid down so her entire body was engulfed in heavenly water. She could feel the worries and stresses of the day sliding off of her and into the water and just as she was about to close her eyes she heard a familiar drawl from the doorway.
"My my my, if this is how I'll be welcomed home every day I'm going to be a very happy man."
Hermione let out a squeak of surprise but turned to smile at him "Hello Draco"
"Helloooo Hermione" He said and began to walk over to her. She blushed and felt a chill run through her from the way he said her name. Smiling up at him she asked "How was your day?"
He shrugged but said "Great, now" as he sat down on a bench and leaned back, putting his feet up on the edge of the tub. "How did packing go?" he asked tentatively knowing that it must have stirred up some strong emotions in her.
She sighed "It went well, Gin helped. We just moved the important stuff. Harry's saying we should use the flat for any visitors to the ministry so I'll have to work on getting it set up... still some stuff to um.. clear out." She sighed "It was a bit sad leaving but It's okay. I'm happy and I feel safe here. With you." Draco smiled broadly at that and she continued. "Ginny also gave me some good news."
"Don't tell me there will be a small Potter-Wiesel running around soon.." Draco said and Hermione could only smile at him in response to which Draco raised his eyebrows.
"Oh Merlin" He muttered trying to hide the smirk on his face. He was secretly feeling very happy for Potter. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Draco with his head resting against the wall and Hermione with hers against the back of the tub. After a while she sighed happily and turned her head to gaze at the man she now got to call hers. His eyes were closed so she took her time appreciating his face. His pointed nose and chin had always been attractive to her but now, as an adult, he had grown into it as well as the rest of his body. That she’d never get used to. Her heart fluttered with excitement as she took in his shoulders at the way his suit jacket was tight around his biceps. She appreciated that he looked rather more dashing in a muggle suit as opposed to Wizards robes. As her eyes traveled over the rest of him he peeked one eye open and watched her. She watched as his broad chest rose and fell under his crossed arms and thought about how things had progressed so quickly and how that didn't seem to bother her now. It only really ever bothered her for a moment when he first suggested that she move in. At this point she was just resigned to living as she wanted and this.. this is what she wanted. All she had ever wanted. This felt right.
Draco opened his eyes and Hermione blushed and looked up at his face. They stared happily at each other for some time before Hermione said "Well, are you going to join me?" he smirked and shook his head. Hermione tilted her head to the side in question and Draco only laughed. A second later he had stood up and was picking her up out of the tub.
"Draco! Your suit! You're going to get soaked!" Hermione was squealing but Draco ignored her and playfully threw her over his shoulder, drying her wordlessly as he did so. He gave her bum a quick smack and said "Now that you're mine I plan to fuck you in every inch of this.. Our house" he said strongly and Hermione could feel her face flush and she gave another surprised squeak as he flipped her up, over his shoulder, and into the bridal position. He began heading down the stairs to the living room and Hermione put her hand on his chest and looked at him seriously. "Draco, where are you going? I'm naked!" She said half laughing.
"I'm aware" He said, looking down at her smirking. " Now shush or I"ll gag you." His smirk widened as Hermione's eyes went wide. Although it sounded like a threat and was delivered like a threat Hermione couldn't help the wetness that grew between her legs. She knew she fully trusted Draco so she let him continue their journey down the stairs.
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Draco as he placed her down on a plush blanket in front of the fire, which was already lit. Looking beyond that she saw a vase of flowers, chocolate covered strawberries and a few bottles of her favorite, Butterbeer. This made her heart melt when she remembered that she only ever told Draco that was her favorite in Hogwarts, years ago. She hadn't actually had one in ages feeling it was a bit immature to drink it now.
"Oh Draco" She said quietly, smiling up at him. She reached her hand up to cup his cheek. "This is the.. the most wonderfully sweet thing anyone's ever done for me. He leaned into her hand and smiled back. "Who knew you were such a romantic, you big bad Slytherin you."
He gazed down at her and said "There is so much you don't know."
"So show me."
He smirked and in one swift motion his lips were on hers and he laid her down pinning her down with her wrists above her head. Under his body and his gaze her eyes turned from chocolate to obsidian. She couldn't help but to squirm under him as his lips explored her neck and chest and his hands explored elsewhere. By the time his hand reached her mound she was already raising her hips up to meet him. He chuckled. "So eager" She bit her lip and let out a load moan as he slipped two fingers inside easily.
"You love this don't you?" He asked. "You love being at my mercy. You love turning off that big brain and letting me work while you just feel." She could only nod in response. Her willingness and responsiveness only made the bulge in his pants grow. He'd been imagining this too much all day and was just about as worked up as she was. Knowing they had all night he decided to give into his urge. He stood, using a silent and wandless spell to keep her hands where they were, and undressed quickly. Once naked himself he lowered himself between her legs, taking her knees and spreading them apart.
"Look at that.. such a pretty pussy" He said quietly and she whimpered and looked him in the eyes.
"your pussy" she said and he growled. Next thing she knew his tongue was on her, licking through her folds, around her clit and back again. She couldn't help the noises she was making which only drove him further into his frenzy. He growled into her and she shuddered.
"Mmm." he said pulling away. Hermione whimpered "I'd much rather you to come on my cock, love." He said and her disappointment ebbed away. A second later he was rubbing the head of his cock against her folds, spreading her wetness before he thrust in, balls deep and she let out a long moan. Clutching his shoulders she reached up to kiss him softly and he returned the kiss which was a stark contrast to the sharp thrusts of his hips.
They went on like this for some time, kissing whatever part of the other was closest. Their hips coming together roughly. Finally Hermione ran out of breath and put her head back on the floor, moaning and whispering nonsense as he continued to pound into her. With one hand on her hip he leaned down to put his hand behind her head, lifting it slightly, and kissed her gently again before putting his head in the crook of her neck. She reveled in the feel of his hot breath on her neck and his quiet moans and growls here and there.
I'd never tire of this she thought as she felt a tightening in her core.
"I love you" He whispered in her ear as her first orgasm of the night ripped through her. She let out a sob and clutched his hand, still gripping her hip as he pounded into her. Her other hand cupped his cheek as she looked up at him. "Oh Draco, I love you too" She said and with two more thrusts he was gone, holding onto her for dear life as he came deep inside her. He ran his hands up and down her sides now, reluctant to pull out as he put their foreheads together. After their breathing returned to normal he kissed her and pulled out.
"What room would you like to christen next, my lady?" He asked and she giggled, wrapping another blanket that was laying next to them around her shoulders.
"Not so fast, I would actually like one of those butterbeers first, sounds like I'll need it." she said laughing.
"oh you will"