Laughs and Libraries
Following Hermione and Ginny's conversation the two were completely back to normal. Ginny immediately wrote home about spending Christmas at Hermione's. She had not heard back yet, but she expected to soon.
In prior years, December marked a time of great strife, and anxiety for Hermione. Her days were usually predicated with studying for her end of 1st term exams, meaning she rarely left the library. This year, things were different. She had adopted a far more laissez - faire attitude and was truly enjoying her time. Sure she studied, but she didn't let it rule her life as she had years prior.
These days, when she did spend time in the library, one could often find the former bushy haired know it all at a quiet table in the transfiguration section. Finally Hermione was at a point in her Hogwarts education, where the only people who would bother her in the library were Madam Pince, or Ginny, which is why she was so caught off guard When she heard someone approaching.
She heard the sound of someone clearing their throat to politely announce their presence. The next thing she heard was the smooth voice of Draco Malfoy.
"Miss Granger, do you mind if I join you?” He asked with a hint of worry in his voice.
"Of course Mr. Malfoy.” She politely responded.
The blond made his way to the seat directly across from Hermione. As he settled in Hermione took the opportunity to relax the formality.
"You are allowed to call me Hermione you know.” She said with a warm smile.
"I didn't want to assume. In that case please call me Draco.” He said, returning her smile.
"What are you working on?” He asked.
"I'm trying to go over this last piece of Transfiguration before our exam on thursday.”
As it was Wednesday, and Transfiguration was their last exam before the holidays Draco was going to be doing the same. So he pulled his textbook from his fancy leather briefcase and settled in.
After an hour or so the pair began to grow bored of their studying.
"Okay. I feel like I'm losing my mind!” Hermione whispered.
"Me as well. I feel like if I read over the principles of animagus transformations one more time I'm going to lose my will to live.”
"Well that's a bit dramatic.”
“We both know dramatic is my specialty.”
Hermione laughed, far louder than she should have in the library, as she remembered a dramatic 13 year old Draco.
“Your drama almost got an innocent Hippogriff killed!”
“Almost? For the record, I am sorry about that. I was a jealous child who wanted nothing more than to make sure people knew I was my fathers son.” The embarassed and confused Draco said.
“We're not going to talk about that. Also, I forgive you. It's clear you're not the same person you were in third year.” She said quickly.
“Thank you. That truly means a lot.” Draco said quietly, maintaining soft eye contact with Hermione. She reached over and softly squeezed his hand as a gesture of understanding. He held her hand in his, refusing to let go, and the pair sat there enjoying the comfortable silence that neither wanted to break.
Without letting go of her hand Draco moved to the chair next to her. He adjusted his grip on her hand by lacing their fingers together. He was thankful he faced no protest from Hermione. With his best smirk he looked up at the woman sitting next to him.
“So.” He started, breaking the silence. “We absolutely have to talk about how the hippogriff we both saw an ax come down on only almost died.” Draco said with a challenging smirk.
“We don't have to talk about anything. I don't think you're remembering things correctly.” Hermione said slyly. “ Did you happen to take a blow to the head that day?”
A low chuckle, almost like a growl, resonated from the chest of the ever composed Draco Malfoy.
“I do happen to remember the fist of a beautiful 14 year old know-it-all meeting my face that day.” His voice was nearly a growl as he recalled the punch that started his crush on Hermione Granger.
“See, head trauma. You're clearly not remembering things clearly.” A blushing Hermione whispered.
“Well then. Since head trauma appears to be clouding my memories, maybe we should start over. Make sure my memories are correct.”
It was at this moment Draco dropped Hermione's hand. She immediately looked down at her empty hand as she felt the loss. Her hand wasn't left empty long, as a moment later she heard:
“Hi there. I'm Draco Malfoy.” He said offering a handshake. “I just wanted to introduce myself and say that I find you absolutely beautiful. Could I take you out to dinner?”
“Thank you for the compliment. I'm Hermione Granger.” She said, accepting the handshake. "You are quite handsome yourself. I would love to go to dinner with you.”