There’s a rumor going around
“There’s a rumor going around that you’ve been asking about me,” he murmured, lips so close she could feel warm breath tickling the hair at the back of her ear. He stood perpendicular to her side, crowding Hermione into the bookcase and hiding them from view. She had always known she was on the shorter side, but Malfoy had grown a ridiculous amount over the past couple of years. He towered over and around her, the scent of tobacco and fir invading her senses.
“I…ehem…I wanted to confirm some things before approaching you directly.” Godric, he was so close! Even though they weren’t touching, his body heat radiated through their clothing. She felt completely exposed as she stared at the pulse in his neck.
“And did you get your answers, Hermione?”
The sound of her name drawled across his tongue sounded like silk sheets, molten chocolate, and pure need. She sucked in a sharp breath at the stab of want that pierced through her, eyes snapping up to meet his. “Not all of them.” As her tongue darted out to wet her lips, his brow furrowed, gaze darkening from light grey to a promising storm.
“Well, go ahead then. I’m all yours.”
“Mine?” Did he realize what that sounded like? Were his words intentional?
“Ask for what you want and I might just indulge you.” His head cocked playfully to the side, matching the smirk that slowly formed. She had always known he was classically good looking, but the years really had been kind to him. Instead of the overly sharp features of his childhood, the lines now perfectly fit his broadened frame and the light stubble running across his jawline. Platinum locks fell across his forehead defying their former slicked back stylings of years past. It all professed a relaxation she craved for herself.
“How do you do it? How do you…just let go?” Was that too vague? Hermione wasn’t quite sure how to fully express what she meant. All she knew was that after everything, the war and its aftermath, and their return for a final year at Hogwarts, she still felt incredibly wound up. It was like her breath was on a constant inhale and she had no more room to give. Draco Malfoy, in turn, somehow looked good. She knew what he looked like at the final battle, then later at his hearing where she gave her defense. But now? It was like he’d come to peace with himself. She wanted that for herself. She needed it.
He straightened and took a step back from her. Hermione instantly felt the loss of his heat like some kind of phantom limb. He was going to deny her, wasn’t he?
Instead, he held his hand out, palm up in a motion for her to grab. She tentatively placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her along.
“I’ll show you.”