Chapter 78
Prompt: Professor
After the war, Hogwarts had become a welcomed escape for Hermione. Eager to move on from the years of tragedy, she had accepted a position as Professor of Transfiguration once McGonagall took over as Headmistress. She was hopeful that a change in scenery would help her forget.
Forget Fred, forget her parents, forget silver eyes in hidden broom closets.
Hermione slammed the book closed on that last thought.
When Draco had agreed to the arranged marriage to Astoria after the war, she vowed to not waste one more thought on the man she once loved.
She remembered that night, remembered his whispered confession as they laid in bed. Remembered his eyes filled with shame as he shared the contract was unbreakable. The anguish that filled her heart as the finality of their relationship crystalized in her mind.
The next day she had left and moved into Hogwarts, desperate for it to heal her wounds and for the past 6 months it had done just that.
As she prepared for the incoming students, her heart began to heal and the anguish and rage faded to the background bit by bit.
Tomorrow the students would arrive and she had decided to check her classroom one last time to be sure she was ready.
A sound by the door interrupted her packing her bag and she spun around, wand stretched out, heart pounding in her ears.
Grey eyes disarmed her immediately.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Malfoy?"
Hermione swallowed, hoping her harsh tone hid the hurt threatening to spill out with every breath.
Draco leaned against the door frame, and rolled up his sleeves; never once looking away from her gaze.
"I came here to see you," he spoke softly and his eyes shone with sincerity.
He pushed himself off the frame and walked until he was directly in front of Hermione.
"I married Astoria," he muttered, "and we divorced at the reception."
Her eyes snapped to his, hope soaring.
A slow smirk took over his features as he reached out to brush a curl behind her ear.
"Can I take you to dinner?" Draco asked, a hint of doubt crossed his face before it was quickly masked.
Hermione swallowed, "Well, all the professors are expected in the great hall tonight."
Her response earned her an amused smile.
"Yes, Granger, I am well aware."
Hermione cocked her head to the side, confused.
"We better hurry or we'll be late," he drawled turning his back to her and walking toward the door.
Hermione blinked but didn't move.
"Ohh and while we're there, it is probably best if you refer to me by my proper title, Professor Malfoy, wouldn't want Minerva getting the wrong idea."
With a wink, he grabbed her hand as she blushed.
What was she getting herself into?