Contract
Using Draco's personal quill, Theo penned an owl.
Apologies for being a world-class prat, Granger. I just traveled by Floo from France, and had something stuck way up my arse. I have a Healer's appointment tomorrow to have it removed. Please forgive me. (Even if you don't, we still need to finalize the Potions 'n Parchment contract.)
If amenable, please meet me at Three Broomsticks. Send me your times of availability. I will bring the dreadfully handsome Theo to mediate. Feel free to bring Longbottom.
- DLM
Hermione wrinkled her nose. This was unlike Malfoy. But it was his signature. She let out a low sigh and Floo call'd Neville.
As Hermione nursed a Butterbeer, she let Neville do most of the talking. She eyed Malfoy warily, who avoided looking at her and was not at all as warm or sorry as he indicated in the letter.
Theo cleared his throat. "We've reviewed your business proposal in detail. We just need to dot the Is and cross the Ts. Our major concern is that—"
Neville nodded. "We'll make sure that your family names are clearly associated with the increased access to the Wolfsbane potion and legislation in all the major media outlets. We also have one more proposal, which will help ingratiate you into UK Wizarding society."
"Go onnnnnn," Theo winked.
"A gala held at Malfoy or Nott Manor. Doesn't matter which."
Theo nodded, "Yes, yes. Makes sense."
"Invite all of UK Wizarding society. We'll debut the Werewolf legislation there and your business' part in it. Shacklebolt will speak on your behalf. It's the perfect place for your Fathers to make their re-entry into society too."
"How do you know about our Fathers, Large Bottom?" Draco sneered.
"Shut up, Malfoy. You're not in Hogwarts anymore. You'll find there's very little secrets in the Ministry." Hermione gripped Neville's wrist to sooth him.
Draco's eyes flashed at their touch. "So you want us to dole out more galleons, is that it? Be your puppets?"
Neville shrugged, unfazed. "Well, yes. I thought we all knew what this was about."
Hermione and Theo both smirked. Draco glared at them but kept silent.
"I think it's a wonderful idea. And I think we should bring dates too. Neville, would you go with me? And Draco, you will bring Granger."
Both Draco and Hermione yelled, "What?!"
"It's not a bad idea," Neville admitted. "Think of the optics."
"Yes, yes, the OPTICS." Theo had no idea what the cute Wizard was talking about.
"I—" Draco began.
Hermione said thoughtfully, "It'll solidify the alliance with the Ministry. The legislation will get all the desired coverage—I presume because of the gala's opulence—and bring the Malfoys and Notts into the 21st century."
Theo smacked the table loudly, spilling alcohol all over the knotted oak table. "Wonderful! With the Golden Girl on your arm and The Chosen One 2.0 on mine, no one will doubt our loyalties. At least not out loud."
Neville whispered in Hermione's ear, "They won't dare renege on our contract now. We need their connections."
Draco studied them carefully, his ears burning at their closeness.
She nodded.
"Good! I'm so excited. I'll get my elves starting with the planning immediately. End of the month should be enough time. We'll be taking dancing lessons, so get prepared. Neville, let's get to the barristers before the office close." He stuck out his arm, "M'lord?"
Neville blushed, taking Theo's crook of the elbow. "You alright here?"
"Yes?" Hermione said stiffly.
Draco and Hermione sat in silence for several moments, burying their noses in their drink. All he wanted to do was dive into her lap.
"Granger—"
"Malfoy—"
"I'm sorry for last time. It was just unexpected to see you and—"
"It's easy to act like a total arse?" Hermione finished for him.
"Well, I wasn't going to put it like that."
"How would you put it?", she pushed.
Draco closed his eyes, gripping his trousers.
"Your owl said you had a huge stick up your arse and needed to find a Healer to remove it. I imagine that would make anyone feel grumpy."
"My owl—" Draco slowly put the pieces together in his mind, and watched Hermione's lip curl into a smirk. She was taking the piss. He gave her a careful smile.
"Did you find your cat?" he asked carefully.
She sighed. "No. I-I thought he came back, but now, I think I just dreamt the whole thing. I'm sorry that you had to see me being upset. It was very unprofessional conduct."
Draco shook his head. "I just felt bad."
"You ever have pets?"
He hummed. "I had albino peacocks on the estate ... They would chase me around the maze and bite my arse. Awful, awful, ill-tempered things. But it still hurt when Paul and John passed away."
Hermione pulled back a little, studying him with a strange expression on her face. She started laughing.
It was throaty and loud. And it was the most beautiful sound Draco ever heard. He missed it.
"You named them after the Beatles?"
"I hid my records from Father." He peeled strips of his paper napkin to keep his hands busy.
She blinked and smiled. It filled his chest with something he didn't dare name.
Hope.
"Will you show me some pictures?" he asked slowly.
Hermione took out her phone.
[Image: A white and grey cat looks lovingly up at a person who is cupping its face.]
"Lynx is very handsome. See?"
Draco stiffened, preening a little.
"He's also very needy. He loves all the attention. If I'm working too long, he'll make sure I take a break. But look at how pretty he is. How could I say no to that face?"
[Image: A white cat covers an open book with its fluffy paws.]
Draco said, "He probably just wants to make sure you're getting enough sleep."
She smiled softly, "Maybe."
[A white and grey cat stands on its hind legs, reaching for a pink doughnut.]
"Doughnuts were his favourite snack. He had a real sweet tooth. More person than animal. He didn't eat cat food."
Draco sniffed, "Lynx just had good taste!"
[Video: Hermione and Cat!Draco cuddling.]
"This was one of the last videos I took. Oh shite, I'm so sorry. I'm like one of those parents who shows you pictures of their kids." She shook her head, curls brushing against his arms and her soft, familiar scent filled his nostrils.
Draco adjusted himself while she put her phone away.
"I asked," he said.
"I just loved him a lot. I can't help but be worried that he's hurt or worse. I should have been more careful and—" Hermione lamented, playing with her hair.
Draco tried to comfort her, hesitantly touching her her wrist. Her eyes squinted. He immediately held his palm up, "Sorry, I—"
"No, I was surprised is all. You never would have touched me at Hogwarts, dirty blood and all that."
He slid back across the booth, creating distance between them.
"Granger, Salazar. I was a right git, and I never properly—" He ran a hand through his hair, overwhelmed with the tightness in his chest.
"WE'RE BACCCCCCCK!!! Contract signed!" Theo skipped back toward their booth with a shite-eating smile on his face.