Chapter 8
Weeks passed and the leaves were starting to change color. My days were spent attending classes and establishing a sort of routine with Malfoy. Mornings were spent avoiding his bath time, which he really did have every morning at six. I ended up next to him every day in Transfiguration, steadily ignoring most things he said. At night we would both be in the common room, drinking tea and working on homework but never really speaking to each other more than necessary. Some days he would make me my tea in addition to his, always putting it in a Slytherin coloured mug. I’d give him a look but would thank him for the tea anyways.
Tonight was another such night. I was chilled from the cold rain that had fallen all day and hurried to the dormitory right after dinner. The dorm was dark when I entered, Draco nowhere in sight. A slight light shone from his room so I assumed he wanted to be alone tonight. I made myself a cup of tea and set my homework out on the table. I went over to the fireplace to try and add some heat to the room. I stacked some firewood that the elves left for us into the fireplace. Muttering an Incendio I started the fire then went back to the table.
The rain pattered on the window as I worked on my essay that was due in a month for Professor Slughorn. My tea was letting off a little tendril of steam as it sat in front of me cooling slowly. A creak broke the silence, making me look up. Draco came out of his bedroom and made his way over to one of the overstuffed arm chairs in front of the grand windows. In his hands was a book. He settled into the armchair, his back towards me. The fire crackled in the silence as I went back to my writing. Minutes passed with the sounds of fire, rain, and the scratching of my quill.
“Lumos” Draco quietly spoke, startling me as his wand lit up. Its light shone on the rain slick windows and cast a shadow behind Draco.
He turned the page he was reading and nestled deeper into the chair, throwing his legs over one of the arms. I watched as he hunkered over his book, dedicating his full attention to the pages. I smiled and turned back to my work.
Time passed quickly and just as I was about to roll up my parchment Draco asked me a question.
“Granger,” he asked without looking up, “What is a computer?”
I looked over in surprise and saw his brow furrowed at the page before him.
“It's a muggle device that they use to do research, to write, or to connect with people far away from them,” I answer as best as I could.
“Is it a living thing?” He looks up at me.
“No, it's made out of metal and plastic,” I get up from the table and walk over to him. “Draco, what are you reading?”
“Nothing,” he says too quickly. He starts to tuck the book under his arm.
“Draco, that is a muggle device and it would never be mentioned in a wizarding book.”
His face got red at the realization that he had been busted. He finally held out the book to show me. It was a book that I had left on the couch a few nights ago and forgot to pick up on my way to bed.
“Draco, you're quite welcome to borrow my books if you’d like but please ask me first,” I chuckle.
“Really,” he perked up excitedly then caught himself. “I appreciate it Granger,” he coughed, “but I won't be needing anymore muggle rubbish. After this one I need no more.”
“Alright Draco, but feel free to ask me any questions you might have about muggle things.”
He scoffed at my offer and turned back away from me.
“Good night, Draco” I pat the back of his chair and start away.
“Wait Granger,” he reaches out and snags my wrist. “I do have a few questions,” he mumbles.
“Alright I can spare some sleep,” I sat down at the armchair across from
Him.
What I thought would take a few minutes took a few hours. Draco appeared to have years worth of questions, more than the book he was reading held. It was very early before I finally got to sleep. I smiled at the first truly positive interaction we have ever had as I drifted off.