Bar None

Draco was tense. He stood near a display of fireworks scanning the shop with a butterbeer in hand. The party was in full swing, George and Ron were making the rounds and showing off their latest inventions. Even scarhead seemed to be letting his guard down currently laughing with Teddy Lupin over some joke playing cards.

Before he realize what was happening Astoria and Pansy slipped up on either side of him.

“She’s not here yet.” Said Astoria with a knowing smile.

“Who?” He replied.

“Oh please, don’t play dumb. We know about your crush. Are you sure working together is a good idea?” Pried Pansy narrowing her eyes at him.

“I don’t have an idea what you’re talking about.” He said keeping his eyes ahead avoiding her penetrating gaze he knew he couldn’t really lie to her.

“I think it’s a great idea, and romantic. I hope it works out you two would be great together.” Astoria offered.

“Ah as if on cue.” Pansy hummed. “I’m going to refresh my drink, coming Tori?”

Draco looked towards the door and there standing as breathtaking as ever was Hermione looking thoroughly uncomfortable. She was standing there in dark black denims and a black turtleneck. Her coat draped over her arm as she played with the gold chain around her neck. He wild curls piled high on her head. She warily scanned the room. He gave her a wave when her eyes landed on him. She smiled and made her way towards him. Shit, she’s coming don’t say anything stupid he thought taking a deep breath. This witch always seemed to make his heart race unnaturally fast. What he mistook for irritation took him years to acknowledge was actually attraction.

“Hi” she said. Merlin she was so endearing. her nose scrunching as she smiled up at him.

“Happy to see you made it out.” He said, a lame attempt at nonchalance. “Do you want a drink?”

“That would be wonderful…it’s been a long week.”

“Oh really?” He asked with a smile.

“Yeah. There’s just this rich businessman harassing me trying to get me to blow up my life. And I think I am actually going to do it.” She laughed.

“Hmmm seems like a complete tosser.” He said with a laugh. “Is he really harassing you?” He asked with a quirked eyebrow suddenly nervous that he had been too overbearing.

“Nah, he’s alright” she said as they made their way to the drink table. “Has a huge scarf collection.” She giggled. Gosh I will never get sick of that sound he thought to himself.

“Butterbeer?” she asked offering him a new bottle.

“Sure, great.” He smiled up at her. “So are you serious about the job?” He asked hopefully.

“Yes, I am. I’ve thought about it constantly. And you’re right, don’t let that boost your ego too much…I need a change and this is a great opportunity.” She confirmed with a firm nod of her head.

“Well cheers to that.” He said offering his bottle towards her. She clinked her bottle to his.

“I can’t believe I am doing this.” She said a hysterical sort of laugh bubbling up. She rubbed her face with her hands a rosy tint blossoming on her cheeks.

“It’ll be great, don’t worry. If anything goes sideways I will make sure you land on your feet. I will never leave you out to dry.” Merlin he hoped that he wasn’t come off too intense and that she wasn’t reading into the deeper meaning of his words. Because he really would do whatever it took to make sure she was alright. Fuck. He really did have an unhealthy protective streak that he needed to check…probably.

“Yeah, you’re right it’s going to be great. Thanks Draco.” He couldn’t help the grin that spread on his face hearing her use his name.

“Hey ‘Mi!” Ugh fucking Weasley and his awful timing. He knew what he was doing. It didn’t take him long into their friendship to figure out that Draco had an interest in Hermione. Undoubtedly he saw them getting on and came to break it up as a way to take the Micky out of him.

“Hey Ron! The shop looks fabulous.” Hermione threw her arms around him as Ron gave him a wink.

“Prick” Draco muttered. Ron barked out a laugh breaking free from the hug and giving Draco a handshake.

“Glad you both could leave your holes and come out.” A mischievous look in his eye.

“Ha ha” she deadpanned. “Seriously, I am so proud of you. You’ve come a long way.”

“Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without your support.” He said giving her a side hug. If he would take his bloody hands off her Draco thought shooting daggers out his eyes.

“So you two decide yet?” Ron asked.

“Decide what?” Draco asked in alarm.

“To join in business. I’m sure in a years time you’ll be an international success if you joined forces. You’re both a bit scary like that.” He laughed.

Hermione rolled her eyes and laughed. “Actually yes I decided to join the business.” She peeked up at him searching for approval.

“That’s brilliant!” He beamed. Alright a point for you Weasley, Draco thought to himself.

“You’re looking at the new Development Director of Phoenix Potions, Weasley.”

A big smile spread on her face. Pride swelled deep in his chest.

“Hey!” Ginny Weasley pushed her brother aside to give Hermione a hug. “It’s been ages, that outfit suits you.” She said with a grin. “Malfoy” she said with a nod.

“Potter. I heard from a little bird you’ll be out this season.” He attempted small talk, he wanted to show Hermione he could interact with her friends.

“Hmmm money still pays” she replied with narrowed eyes. “As a mater of fact yes. I’m pregnant.”

“What!?” Ron and Hermione exclaimed.

“Yes! Harry and I were unsure if we should share tonight we didn’t want to take away the spotlight. Due in July.” She positively glowed sharing the news.

“That’s great Gin. I am so happy for you two.” Hermione said tearing up and giving Ginny another big hug.

Scarhead came up putting an arm around his wife and kissed the side of her head.

“Cheers mate.” Ron said with his shit eating grin.

“Oh Harry!” Hermione burst into tears and gave him a big hug. It was clear they were whispering something. They broke free and scarhead wiped away a few tears.

“Congrats.” Draco nodded his head. I mean he couldn’t be a complete arse in front of Hermione.

“Thanks guys” he grinned. “I can’t believe you couldn’t wait” he looked at his wife.

“Hey, don’t blame me. Malfoy put me on the spot” she laughed.

“Sorry” Draco said not sorry one bit. Everyone was clearly overjoyed at the news and Hermione seemed happy. “Those pureblood tapestries don’t lie though.” He shrugged.

“I’ve got some news too.” Hermione nervously cleared her throat. “I’m going to work with Malfoy at his new potions business.”

“That’s good ‘mi” Scarhead offered sheepishly. “I also am making a career change. With the baby coming and everything I wanted to be in a job that was less dangerous. And you know I sort of let this job take over my life. I am really sorry about that. I was a shite friend for a while and…yeah I want to be better.” He looked at his two friends rubbing the back of his head.

“That’s really great mate!” Ron said hitting us shoulder.

“Oh Harry that is wonderful.” Hermione added.

“Yeah I was offered the Defense against the dark arts position. I’ll start next fall.” He said with a tentative smile. “What about you? What will you be doing?”

“I don’t really know.” Hermione smiled. “I think some legal stuff and some brewing. We’re just going to go with it.” She looked up and smiled at him. He loved that way that sounded ‘we.’ He retuned her smile.

“I’m just going to get out of her way.” He added with a laugh.

“Sounds great.” Ginny added. Scarhead gave them a hesitant smile. Keeping his eyes trained on Draco a bit too long for his liking. Well damn…if he was going to be around for Hermione I might as well try. I mean Weasley hasn’t ended up too bad maybe Scarhead will get better he thought skeptically.

“We should probably go tell Astoria and Pansy the news.” Hermione’s voice cut in. “You know how they get if they are left out of the loop.” She looked up at him expectantly. “Congrats again you two. Gin let’s get lunch this week.” She said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Draco could get used to this ‘we.’ He put his hand on the small of her back following her through the crowd. hopefully he wasn’t being to forward but after a few butterbeer and everyone’s good news he couldn’t help but let his guard down a bit.

She was talking animatedly with Pansy and Astoria as he approached. Pansy gave him a smug smile and shook her head slightly.

“Draco! Hermione’s just shared the good news.” Astoria chirped.

“Yes I’m lucky to have her…on-on board.” He stumbled. Merlin he sounded like an idiot. Luckily only Astoria and Pansy seemed to notice his slip up each giving him pointed looks.

“Well I am sure you two will make mind blowing discoveries together.” Pansy said with a wicked look. Astoria gave her an elbow to the ribs.

“Laugh away Pansy, but I am actually excited for this change.” Hermione stuck her tongue out.

“As you should be darling.” Astoria nodded kindly. Well at least one of them was being mature.

He started to zone out watching Hermione while she chatted with Pansy about her recent trip to New York.

Before her knew it he couldn’t suppress a yawn. “Tired already.” Hermione teased.

“Hmm yeah. I’ve been harassing a brilliant witch to join my business, and it took a lot out of me.” He winked as she laughed.

“Well I am actually ready to get out of here too.” She said looking around as the party continued in full force. “I made my appearance I think I am safe to leave.”

“I’ll walk with you out?” He offered. She nodded and he waited by the door while she made her quick goodbyes.

As they started down the snowy lane towards the apparition point he watched her shiver. Taking the long scarf from around his neck he stopped in front of her and wrapped it around her neck. A grin spread on her face. “Thanks” she mumbled.

“Well I guess I have a big week ahead of me.” She said. “I’ll put in my two weeks notice so I should have time before we open to help get things organized and ready.”

“Great. I’ll have a contract drawn up for you to look over the next week.”

“I also made some notes on the business plan….if that’s alright.” She added hesitantly.

“You wouldn’t be Hermione Granger if you didn’t. We can go over those when you’re done with the firm.” He laughed.

“Great well thanks for the opportunity.” She tried to hand him back his scarf.

“Keep it. It looks better on you.” He gave her a small smile. “Will you make it alright the rest of the way to your apartment?” He asked hoping she’d let him take her all the way to her door.

“Oh I’ll be fine! I’ll look for the contract. See you Draco.” She said and with a crack she was gone.

Draco apparated home on cloud 9 thinking of her saying his name and how lucky he was that everything was turning out.