Draco Malfoy entered the ballroom in a muggle tux with confidence. He knew when Lucius and mother saw his picture in the Prophet they would have a heart attack, but he didn’t care. Draco was in the process of rebranding.
He was no longer the prejudiced git that would walk the halls of Hogwarts. He was a man in search of redemption.
Once the war ended Draco was let off on six months of house arrest along with the role of helping the DMLE find the Death Eaters that got away. Although he personally thought this was a slap on the wrist, he gratefully took the opportunity to help.
As expected he was approached with many obstacles including a few “stray” hexes, but over time Draco was able to prove himself. However, one obstacle he did not expect was Hermione Granger.
Draco’s schoolyard crush was something only his closest friends knew about. Of course he could never act on it until now.
Thankfully she took his apology with grace, and had the heart to forgive him. Something Draco was both humbled and grateful for.
They’ve spent many late work nights bantering and stealing touches, but unfortunately nothing more as Hermione is with the insufferable Weasel.
Suddenly the doors opened and revealed the guests of honor. The Golden Trio walked in wearing their best attire, however Draco only saw her.
Hermione was wearing a sparkly gold gown with green accents and a slit that exposed her lower thigh. As he took a sharp intake of air, he felt a slap on his shoulder.
“You think Golden Girl wore that number for you?”, said Theo Nott, Draco’s best friend since nappies. Of course he would be here.
“Theo…”, he said as he let out an exasperated sigh.
He raised his two hands in a mock surrender and said “Yes, yes I know. Your relationship is ‘strictly professional’, don’t get your nickers in a twist.”
“Then why must you give me reasons to remind you?”
“Because your blush when I merely mention her name is too cute to pass up on”, he said as he winked.
“I am not blushing, it's simply humid here.” he grumbled.
“Whatever you say Draco.” he sang as he walked away.
Left with his thoughts again, Draco couldn’t help but wonder why Hermione was with Weasel. He was as dumb as a troll and penniless. Not even what little looks he had could save him.
Then he heard it, her melodic laugh. Well something that resembled it. This one was quite obviously fake, however alluring nevertheless. Somehow his feet moved on their own accord and suddenly he was in front of the Golden Couple.
“Ferret”, Weasel hissed.
“Ronald, we are coworkers now. Please refrain from childish nicknames.”, she said as if scolding a child. “Hello, Draco.”
“Hello, Hermione”, he said, disregarding the wizard completely.
Weasel rolled his eyes and grumbled “I’m getting a drink”.
As Draco stole a look at the gorgeous witch in front of him the words “You look stunning.”, escaped him before he could stop himself.
She replied, “You clean up nice as well.” Then gazed into the crowd to hide her blush.
“You two make such a lovely couple.”, he said curtly.
“We do, yeah” she said distractedly.
“It’s a shame you aren’t attracted to him”
“I know it—uh”, her face grew crimson as she started scrambling her words.
“You’re not attracted to me?!”, Weasel shouted, back with two drinks.
The entire ballroom grew silent, then whispers emerged.
“Ronald, please I didn’t mean that—“, Hermione said frantically.
“Then why did you say it, to Ferret no less?!”
“Please, can we at least talk about this in private?”, she pleaded.
“No, it will be plastered in the Prophet anyways. I was such a fool to believe you’d actually choose me.”
“Don’t say that, I do chose you. Can we please just step into the hall?”
“No need we’re done, I can’t be with someone who is just settling for me.”, he huffed.
Hermione stepped closer to him and tried to take his hands, but was lightly shoved away. “Ronald, please can we talk about this?”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”, he said as he walked away, while Hermione chased after him.
Draco stood there frozen, feeling a mixture of guilt and delightment. While a public break up isn’t ideal, this means he’s finally able to act on his desires.
When he finally gained the ability to move, he raced after her. However, what he found broke his heart. There she was, sitting on the floor in the hall with tears streaming down her face.
“Hermione?”, he croaked.
When she noticed him she got up and quickly wiped her tears. “You! You did this!”, she shouted as she pointed a finger to his chest.
Draco was visibly taken aback, “Me? I didn’t think you’d actually agree!”
“Yes, well why would you even comment that?”, she said exasperated, flailing her arms.
“Because I personally couldn’t fathom you being attracted to that oaf.”
“Ugh, you can be so infuriating!”, she huffed as she stepped closer.
When Draco saw her face flushed with anger and the intensity in her eyes, from him nevertheless. He could think of nothing, but touching his lips to hers.
“Tell me to stop.”, he said as he inched closer.
He waited with a bated breath for her to push him away, but she never did. When he finally made it home, she sucked in a breath. Terrified she’d reject him, he pulled away. However, she grabbed his lapels and kissed him back with passion he didn’t know he was missing.