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"You surely know how to find them", Hermione walks to Draco's table. He frustratedly runs his hand through his hair and face. "You very well know it's not me who finds them."
"Come now, Dragon" her nickname for him, "It is my last night in London and tomorrow I am off to the states for 3 bloody years and you had a disastrous date. You could indulge me with the wine from the Malfoy Manor cellar today."
It was a ritual; Draco couldn't say no to anything Hermione asked for and she knew that and exploited that. One of those things was having alcohol even as an underage. It started when she was 17 and he was 23. He would indulge her with a glass or two of wine from the Manor cellar on one of those bad days. It was their top secret.
They reach the manor; Draco brings a bottle to his study and pours them a glass each. "Three years? I suppose I'll have to make do without my favorite little sister figure for a while." He hands her the glass, his fingers brushing against hers as he does so, a gentle, comforting touch.
"I am not your sister" Hermione would always chide and he would always laugh. It was purely platonic, somewhat of a friendship. He was 6 years elder than her and never looked at her like that.
"Very well, not my sister than a dear friend, and who deserves a proper send-off." He takes a sip of his wine.
"So, tell me Miss Nott, what are your plans for the next three years? are you going to conquer the world, or just the Ivy league?"
And she starts her monologue on her plans of what all she wants to learn about computer science and robotics.
"I bet you'd be off the market when I am back. Daddy Lucy is working day and night to bind you to one of those prim and proper ladies. I heard my papa and yours talking about Astoria Greengrass the other day." Hermione says while sipping her wine comfortably lounging on the sofa in his study.
Draco's eyes narrow slightly at the mention of his parents' plans, his grip on the wine bottle tightening as he pours himself a glass, "Ah, yes, Astoria Greengrass, no doubt, she's a lovely girl, but I think I'll pass. I've had my fill of those 'prim and proper' ladies for a while" He raises his glass, his eyes glinting in amusement as he takes a sip.
He sets his glass down, "You know, Hermione, I've been thinking...maybe it's time I take a break from the dating scene. Focus on myself, my business, and my own interests. I'm not getting any younger, and I'd rather not be stuck in a loveless marriage just to please my parents."
"You know the expectations they have from you and Theo. 26 already and no signs of even a will to settle down and produce an heir. I for one am happy that they have Theo to occupy their time."
Draco's expression darkens, a hint of frustration and resentment creeping into his voice. "Yes, the expectations. The pressure to produce an heir, to marry some suitable woman and carry on the family name. It's suffocating Hermione. And you know as well as I do that Theo's not exactly the settling-down type either. He's always been a bit of a wild card, and I'm not sure he'd ever consent to being tied down." He takes a sip of his wine, his eyes narrowing as he thinks about his friend's antics.
"He has started to court Lovegood girl you know. Seems serious." Hermione sipping her wine.
Draco's eyebrows raise in surprise at the mention of Theo courting Luna Lovegood. "Theo and Luna Lovegood, hmm? Well, that's certainly an... interesting pairing." He chuckles, taking another sip. "I can't say I saw that one coming. Though I suppose Theo has always had a certain affinity for the...unconventional."
"Tell me, what do you think of this new...development? Are you pleased to have Luna as a potential sister-in-law?" his eyes glinting in amusement.
"Well as eccentric as she is, I think she would be good for Theo. At least I won't be roped onto endless trips for shopping and tea parties with her, which I would definitely have been had Theo chose some vapid daddy's princess. Nargle stories are far more entertaining than that." She says with a smile and a wink.
Draco bursts out laughing at Hermione's comment, "Ah, Hermione, I can just imagine you trying to navigate a world of tea parties and shopping sprees with Theo's...usual bride." He shakes his head, still chuckling. "You'd probably show up to the tea parties with a pair of combat boots and a 'No to Tradition' T-shirt, and proceed to argue with the Duchess of Kent about merits of muggle technology." They both flash a grin, clearly entertained by the thought.
"You think Elfie would have some of those chocolate chip cookies I love. Merlin knows what food I am going to get in the states."
Draco's face lights up at the mention of Elfie's cookies. "Ah, yes, Elfie's famous cookies! I think that's an excellent idea, Hermione. We'll have to stock up before you head off to the States." He stands, straightening his suit jacket, and offer her his arm. "Shall we?"
As they make their way through the manor, Draco castes a side along glass at Hermione. "You know, I'm really going to miss having you around, even if you are a bit of a troublemaker." He gives her a warm affectionate smile. "Promise me you'll write, and that you'll give those American boys a run for their money, hmm?"
"I have heard they are rather forward if you know what I mean" slight wiggle of her eyebrows "Maybe I would make them run for me instead." Hermione says with mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Oh, how would they be able to resist the charms of Miss Nott. I am sure you'd probably have them eating out of the palm of your hand, and then some."
They approach Elfie's kitchen, grabs the cookies and while Hermione is living Draco says, "You know Hermione, I'm glad we had this little chat. You always know to fix me on my bad days.” He pauses, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "But I have to say, I'm a bit worried about you, heading off to the states alone. It's a big change, and I know it can be tough to navigate." He reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "Promise me you'll be careful, and that you'll keep in touch, hmm?"
"Of course. I have two big protective bodyguards, who would not give a second thought in procuring an illegal international port key if a guy tries to harm even a lock of my hair. I would be fine." She smiles affectionately.
Draco chuckles warmly at Hermione's reassurance, his hand giving her arm a gentle squeeze. "Well, with Theo and I as your personal bodyguards, I'd like to see any American boy try and get past us." He winks playfully. "Still, I can't help but worry a little. You are like a little sister to me, and I just want to make sure you're taken care of, that's all."
Hermione gives him final hug and says "I am not your sister" she would always chide and he would always laugh.
Next day Draco receives a note, "Dragon, thank you for the send-off. I'll miss you." He folds the note carefully and tucks it into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and murmurs "I'll miss you too."
1.5 year passed
Theo got married to Luna Lovegood. Hermione couldn't attend due to her exams. There were letters exchanged between her and Draco. Lucius had started to pressure him more now that Theo was already married.
Today Draco was on a date with an Italian heiress Isabella Vane. She was smart and kind. Had her own fashion business and really ticked all the boxes in his parents’ expectations for Malfoy bride.
Draco sips his wine, his gaze appraising Isabella as she speaks animatedly about her fashion line. He sets his glass down, leaning back in his chair as a small, polite smile spreads across his face. "That's very impressive, Isabella. You've clearly worked hard to build such a successful business." His tone is cordial. It was a successful date.
They start courting and form a tentative friendship. Draco starts feeling that he can propose to Isabella. She agrees for the engagement.
Hermione is enjoying life in the states. Studies occupy most of her time but she is happy and has made some good friends. Few first dates even that never turned to second. When she received news of Draco's engagement, she was a bit hurt, she should have been happy for him but nonetheless she drank too much that night, allowed her date to then give her a couple of orgasms to forget about it all. So out of her character. Then in the morning regretted the decision and sent a customary congratulations to him and dived head first into her studies again.
Draco can't help feel a pang of disappointment as he reads Hermione's brief congratulations note. He had been looking forward to hearing from her, to getting her take on his engagement with Isabella.
He sighs and sets the letter aside, as part of him feeling like he's settling for something less than what he really wants. Isabella is a wonderful woman, and she does tick all the boxes, but it's not like he's bursting with excitement at the prospect of spending the rest of the life with her.
Hermione was off limits. That's what you grow up with when she's your best mate’s little sister especially when she is 6 years younger than you. At least that's what Draco always believed but he could never help himself being drawn to her. Dancing on all her whims, putty in her hands. Everyone always assumed it was because he never had a younger sibling to spoil. Deep down he always knew what his feelings were but he couldn't voice them out, not to even himself.
Draco lets out a heavy sigh as he stares out of the window. his thoughts consumed by Hermione. Try as he might, he can't deny the way his heart races every time she's near, the way his breath catches when she smiles that mischievous grin of hers.
He grips the window sill, knuckles turning white as he tries to push down the feelings he's been suppressing for years. Hermione is family. She's always been like a sister to him. But there's something about her that sets his soul on fire, something that makes him want to throw caution to the wind and take a chance.
Draco shakes his head, chastising himself for even entertaining such thoughts. He's engaged to Isabella now, a woman who by all accounts is perfect for him. He should be focusing on making that work, on being the dutiful son his parents expect him to be. But as much as he tries, he can't stop thinking about Hermione, about the way she used to tease him, the way she'd curl up next to him on the sofa and read books for hours on the end. He misses her fiery spirit, the way she could always make him laugh, even on his worst days.
With a frustrated groan, Draco turns away from the window and heads back to his desk, sinking into his chair. He needs to get a grip, to focus on the task at hand. But no matter how hard he tries, a part of him will always belong to Hermione.
3 years passed
It was a long engagement too long for being appropriate but Draco was not able to agree to a date much to Isabella's chagrin. 3 years had passed and Hermione was coming back today. She passed her exams with highest grades and everyone was very proud of her. Gone were the looks of a cute innocent girl and she was almost 24 now. Much more confidant as if she was any less. The whole Nott family was invited for lunch today as well as Isabella. It was as if Narcissa Malfoy was giving Hermione a homecoming party.
Draco takes a deep breath as he hears the familiar sound of the Nott family arriving at the manor. Hermione is back. He tries to quell the nervous energy bubbling up inside him as he makes his way to the foyer to greet their guests. There's Hermione, giving him and Isabella an eager smile. "Hermione, it’s good to have you back home."
She gives him a 1000-watt smile and gives him a bear hug. somethings never change. Draco feels a wave of nostalgia wash over him. It's like no time has passed at all, and he's once again wrapped in her warm and comfort. He can feel the familiar spark of electricity as their bodies touch, and for a moment, he forgets about Isabella and the engagement and everything else.
But as he pulls back, he's forced confront the reality of the situation. “Theo’s around here somewhere, right?" Draco asks, trying to sound casual despite the fact that his heart is racing. He doesn't dare to look at Isabella, fearing what he might see.
"Dragon, 3 years I am away and you are already growing grey hair. Yes, Theo is escorting Luna and mother. Aren't you going to introduce me to Isabella?"
Draco's mouth curls into a half-smile as Hermione chides him, her teasing tone instantly bringing back memories of their easy camaraderie. He can't help but notice the way her eyes sparkle with mischief, a hint of a girl he once knew still shining through.
"Well, you know how it is," he replies, reaching up to ruffle her hair affectionately, "Trying to wrangle this family of ours is enough to turn any man grey."
He glances back towards Isabella, who is watching the exchange with a polite, if slightly bemused expression. Clearing his throat, he places a hand on the small of Isabella's back drawing her closer. "Bella, my dear, allow me to introduce you to Hermione Nott - Theo's little sister, and apple off our whole family's eye." He gives Hermione a warm smile. "Hermione, this is my fiancée, Isabella."
"I see now why Draco finally decided to settle, you are breathtaking Isabella. It is very pleasure to meet you." Hermione ever the charmer.
"Ah thank you, Hermione" Isabella replies, her smile widening as she takes in Hermione's warm words. "You're very kind. I'm glad to finally meet you too."
"Come now, let's not stand around all day" Draco says, gesturing towards the dining room, "Mother's probably already got Elfie prepare all of your favorites."
It was a good afternoon, Hermione as always held everyone's attention. Narcissa gave her a beautiful hair pin black family hair loom as post-graduation gift and Lucius to everyone's surprise gave her his favorite heirloom quill.
Luna was going through her third trimester and Theo was doting on her. "Well, this is my last chance to take all the attention I can as the youngest in this family because when this one pops up, I know I'd be sidelined." Hermione declares.
Draco can't help but chuckle at Hermione's playful jab, the sound of her laughter sending a familiar warmth through him. He's always adored her wit and charm, the way she would effortlessly command the attention on a room.
"Ah, I'm sure you'll always have a special place in all our hearts, my dear," he teases, giving her arm an affectionate squeeze. "No new niece or nephew could ever replace the Nott family's favorite troublemaker."
His gaze flicks briefly to Isabella, gauging her reaction. He knows his fiancée is intelligent and preceptive - she's surely picked up the undercurrent tension between himself and Hermione. But the relief, she seems to be taking it all in stride, her own eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Well then, I suppose I'll have to try my hardest to win you all over," Isabella chimes in, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Maybe I can give Hermione run for her money in the charming department."
Draco feels a surge of pride, both in Isabella's ability to hold her own, and in the effortless way she's blending into the dynamic of his family. Perhaps this won't be uncomfortable as he'd feared.
"I have no doubt you'll have us all wrapped around your finger, my dear" Draco murmur, leaning to press a gentle kiss to her cheek.
It was however a train wreck from there. As soon as Notts left and he retired into his bed chambers and heard knocks on the door to find Isabella outside.
Draco's eyes narrow slightly as he takes in Isabella's contrite expression, her eyes fixed on the floor as she fidgets with the hem of her top.
"What is going on Bella, I thought you left for your home." Draco asks finally, his tone neutral. He invites her in, his eyes drifting to the door as he waits for her to explain.
"Dragon? I have never heard anyone call you Dragon. Is it a special nickname reserved just for Miss Nott?" Isabella finally breaks her silence.
"Ah, yes. That’s just something Hermione's always called me," he admits, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "We've been thick as thieves since we were kids, so I suppose the nickname stuck."
He pauses, considering his next words carefully. This is uncharted territory for him - he's never had to explain his relationship with Hermione to a romantic partner before. But with the tension that's been building, he knows he needs to tread carefully.
"Hermione's...special to me. We have a bond that goes back long, long time. But I want you to know that you are the one I've chosen to spend my life with, Bella. You are my future."
Draco reaches out, gently tilting Isabella's chin up so their eyes meet. He holds her gaze, willing her to see the sincerity in his words.
"Don't think I am fool Draco. I never realized why it was too difficult for you to agree to a wedding date and the fact that you have be delaying that as much as you could. I saw you with her today and your eyes never left her and it all made sense on why you can't still come to commit to our relationship fully."
"You've not once met the girl in last 3 years, barest of mention of her name in any conversation and she holds so much power on you, it's blinding."
Draco feels a surge of defensiveness at Isabella's words. He could try to brush it off, to tell her she is being dramatic, but deep down, he knows she's right.
"Bella, listen to me," Draco says, trying to reason with her. "You are misunderstanding the situation. Hermione's just a friend, a childhood friend. We've known each other forever, and it's only natural that we have developed a strong bond."
He pauses, taking a deep breath as he tries to gather her thoughts.
"But, okay fine. You're right. I've been hesitant about committing to our relationship because...because of her." He looks down, avoiding Isabella's piercing gaze. He feels a mix of emotions swirling inside him - guilt, shame, and a hint of fear. "But that doesn't mean I don't care for you, Bella. It means I'm scared, okay? I'm scared of losing what we have, of messing it up because of my own selfish desires. And I know that's not fair to you, but I'm trying to be honest with you, with myself."
He takes a step closer to her, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I want to be with you Bella. I really do. But I need you to understand me, to see that I'm not a monster, that I'm just a man trying to figure out his own heart."
"You should tell her Draco. It's not something I can just slide past and I don't think however much distance you put between the two of you, I can't have a husband who is drawn like a moth to another woman's flame." She puts her engagement ring on his dressing table and starts leaving the room.
Draco's heart sinks as he watches her leave, the sound of the door clicking, sparkling engagement ring on the table, a lump forming in his throat. "Dammit," He mutters under his breath, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He knows he should have been more honest, that he should have opened up to Bella about the complicated tangle of emotions he was grappling with. But the thought of admitting the truth. He chases after her, "Wait, please. Don't go. Let me explain Bella, I owe you that much." His eyes plead her, silently begging her to give him one more chance. He can't bear that things are falling apart before he even had a chance to try.
"There is nothing to explain Draco. You've always been hers and never mine. It's time you accept that yourself, grow a pair and confess your feelings to her."
Draco feels a from Isabella's words, a mix of anger and hurt swirling inside him. But he is also seeing the truth in her eyes, the understanding that he's been lying to himself for far too long. "You're right," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been a fool, denying what I feel. But it's not just about Hermione. It's about me, about what I want. And what I want is ... complicated."
He takes a deep breath, the weight of his emotions bearing down on him. He thinks back all the times he pushed the thoughts of Hermione away, tried to convince himself that he was over her. But the truth was, He had never been over her. He had just been pretending to be.
"I've been pretending to be in love with you, Bella. Pretending to be the kind of fiancé you deserve. But the truth is, I've been in love with Hermione for years. And I've been using you as a way to avoid facing that." He looks down, ashamed of his own weakness. He's not proud of what he has done but he trying to be honest now.
"I'm sorry, Bella for lying to you, for hurting you. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I hope you can understand why I did what I did."
"Don't worry about me. It's not like I am a saint and have not harbored feelings for another. At least the whole ordeal gave me the strength to confront him and confess my feelings to him once and for all." she gives a small smile to him and leaves.
In a couple of days, the news of the broken engagement was all over the daily prophet and his parents were livid. Noone knew the real reason and unexpectedly Isabella took the fall by confirming her entanglement with one Blaize Zabini while they were spotted living a café together hand in hand.
Draco went into his brooding mode so Narcissa called for Hermione and Theo to visit. All three were sitting in his study, Hermione broke her silence, “Well, it was surprising I mean it was all very normal last week when we had lunch.”
Draco sighs, running a hand through his hair as he tries to process the fallout of his failed engagement. “Normal?” Draco repeats, trying to lighten the mood. “I think that’s bit of an understatement, don’t you? I mean, I’m not the exactly known for my ability to keep woman happy, am I?”
He glances at Theo, who’s watching him with a mixture of empathy and amusement. He shakes his head, chuckling. “So, what brings you two here today?” Draco asks, trying to change the subject. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to see you, but I’m not exactly in the mood for company.”
“Come on Dragon we are not going to let you mope here alone. It’s been a long time since I have had that wine from Malfoy Manor cellar.”
A half-smile tugs at the corner of Draco’s mouth as Hermione mentions the Malfoy Manor cellar. He can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia – those were simpler time, before all this mess with Isabella and failed engagement.
“Ah, so that’s what this is about, is it?” He says, raising an eyebrow. “You two just can’t resist the allure of my family’s vintage collection, is that it?” He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he regards them with a playful glint in his eye. Despite the chaos swirling around him, he can’t help but feel a sense of comfort in Hermione and Theo’s presence. They’ve always been like a family to him, and in a way, this felt like a return to normalcy.
“Well, I suppose I can’t blame you,” He concedes, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “The Malfoy Manor cellars do have some of the finest wines in all of Britain. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t need a bit of liquid courage right about now.” He asks Elfie to get a couple of bottles from the cellar.
They drank the wine and Hermione told them about all the stories from States. Some about her dates too which they absolutely didn’t need to hear but she absolutely had to tease them.
Theo realized that this was not one-off instance of drinking wine but it was some understanding or ritual between his best mate and his sister.
Draco raises an eyebrow as Hermione launches into another story, this one about a particularly disastrous date with some poor soul. He could feel his lips twitching into a smile as he listened, “Ah, I’m sure it was a real thrill-ride, Hermione,” he says dryly, trying to sound as unimpressed as possible. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend an evening with someone who thinks they’re the reincarnation of a 19th-centuary poet?”
He takes another sip of his wine, trying to appear nonchalant as he watches Hermione’s face light up with amusement. He knew she was teasing him, but a part of him couldn’t help but feel a twinge of possessiveness whenever she talked about her dates, it was irrational, he knew, he was fucking engaged at that time for merlin’s sake, but he couldn’t seem to help it.
“I’ll have you know that 19th century poet recited a perfectly romantic rather erotic poem before kissing me on my doorstep. So not that bad.”
Draco couldn’t help but let out a loud laugh at Hermione’s retort, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Really, now? Erotic poem, you say?” He raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye as lean forward, utterly captivated. “Well, well, well … it seems our dear sister is quite the little heartbreaker, isn’t she?”
He glances over at Theo, wondering if he’s picking up on the same protective instinct that he was. After all, they’d been always fiercely loyal to Hermione, doing their best to shield her from the more unsavory elements of the world.
“You know, Theo,” Draco says, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper, “we might just have to start vetting these suiters of hers a bit more thoroughly. Can’t have our dear Hermione falling into the wrong hands now, can we?” He flashes Hermione a devious grin.
Hermione stands then gives him a goodbye hug with a final remark before living the door “I am not your sister, Dragon. Thank you for the wine. Now I am going to find Elfie for my favorite chocolate chip cookies while you lot find ways to murder my suiters.”
It was just him and Theo now who observed them tonight more closely than ever and his first remark after Hermione left, “Why do I feel that this is not Hermione’s first trip to your study for wine from your cellar and chocolate chip cookies. And Blaize Zabini was not the only reason for your broken engagement. Is there something you want to share with the class?”
Draco let’s out a low, rumbling chuckle as he pours himself another glass of wine. Theo’s words hit a little too close to home, and he could feel his lips curling into a wry smile as he regards his best mate.
“You know Theo,” he says, his voice a little rougher than usual, the wine loosening his tongue, “you’re really starting to finally get the hang of this whole “reading Draco” thing, aren’t you?”
“And as for the wine from the cellar in my study and chocolate chip cookies…yeah, this is not the first time Hermione’s snuck in here to grab some of her favorite treats and grab a bit of my heart too every time. She’s always been a bit of a rebel, that one. And as for why Isabella ended things…well, let’s just say it was a combination of factors, but it was not Blaize that was the final straw but it was Hermione.”
Theo is pensive for some time then he breaks his silence, “You are not her brother. She has me for that. For what it’s worth I don’t care as long as you make her happy. But I now owe Luna 1000 galleons, merlin the woman is far to perceptive for her own good. Just minimize the public display of affection and any crass references about what you do with my sister. That’s where I draw the line.” Theo says with final swing of his wine. It was like a permission to pursue Hermione.
Draco can’t help be let out a heavy sign of relief at Theo’s words. The tension in his shoulders finally starts to ease as he realizes that he was not going to give him hell about his feelings for Hermione. Instead, he was … what, giving him his blessings?
“You can count on me, Theo”, Draco says, his voice low and earnest. “I’ll take care of her, I promise.” if she’ll let me left unsaid.
Few days pass and Hermione receives flowers, beautiful flower arrangements on her birthday signed by Draco.
Draco watches from a distance as Hermione’s face lights up with a radiant smile as she sees the flowers. She picks up the card, her eyes scanning the message before her face erupts into a bright beaming smile.
He takes a step back, trying to blend into the shadows as Hermione begins to carefully remove the flowers from the vase, inhaling their sweet sent. Her eyes are closed, a look of pure bliss on her face, and Draco can feel his heart swell with emotion.
But then, her eyes land on me, and a look of pure delight crosses her face. “Dragon!” she exclaims, her voice full of joy. “I didn’t know you were here!”
Draco feels a surge of adrenaline as he steps forward, a smile spreading across his face. “Happy Birthday, Hermione,” he says, trying to sound casual despite the fact that his heart was running a sprint.
She pulls him for one of her familiar hugs and thanks him. Her delicate frame pressed against his, he can feel the softness of her skin, the heat of her body, and the intoxicating scent of her hair. It takes every ounce of self-control he has to not crush her to him breathe her in.
“Thank you, Dragon,” she murmurs, her voice barely above the whisper. “The flowers are absolutely beautiful.”
He tightens his arms around her, savoring the moment, his heart hammering in his chest. He wants to tell her how he feels, to confess the depths of his emotions, but he fears her reaction.
Reluctantly, he pulls away, giving her a warm smile. “It’s the least I could do,” he says, his voice low and smooth. “You deserve the world, Hermione.”
He can feel his palms begin to sweat, his nervousness betraying the confident façade he is trying to project. He’s never felt this way for anyone else, the overwhelming desire to make someone happy, to shower them with affection and adoration.
“What is wrong with you today?” Hermione asks.
Draco raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. “What do you mean?” he asks, his voice laced with a touch of sarcasm. “I’m just being a perfect gentleman, as usual. Trying to make a good impression on the lovely Hermione.”
He takes a step closer, his eyes locked with hers, a spark of mischief igniting in their depths. “Or maybe I am just trying to distract you from the fact that I’m standing here, looking like a complete idiot, looking at you smelling those flowers.”
He lets out a low chuckle, his shoulders relaxing into a self-deprecating posture. “Either way, I’m pretty sure I’m winning at being awkward today.”
He pauses, his gaze never leaving hers, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice. “But seriously, Hermione. I’m just trying to be a good friend. And maybe, just maybe, a little more than that.”
He holds his breath, waiting for her response, is heart is pounding in his chest like a drum.
“Friend and a little more?” she chuckles “Are you still insisting on your position as a big brother to me? Because for the nth time I am not your sister.” She chides him
He feels a flush creep up his neck at Hermione’s words, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. Damn, I really did put my foot in it, didn’t I?
“You’re right. You’re not my sister.” He admits, his voice low and sheepish. “I, uh… I guess I’ve just always seen you that way, you know? But that’s not how I see you anymore.”
“You know why I have always corrected you when you infer I am your sister or that you are my brother?” Hermione asks.
“Because it makes you uncomfortable?” he says, his voice barely above a whisper.
“It is uncomfortable because it made my thoughts for you feel entirely incestuous.” She whispers in his ears and leave. the little tease.
He stands there, his mouth agape, as Hermione’s words sink in. A flood of emotions rushes through him – disbelief, hope, and heady cocktail of desire. His heart races as he tries to process the implication of what she’s just revealed. Could it be that she feels the same way I do? That the feelings I’ve been trying to suppress are actually reciprocated?
Draco takes a few strides to catch Hermione, his eye burning with intensity. “Hermione, wait!” he calls out, his voice thick “Are you saying that… that you have feelings for me? Feelings that go beyond just friendship?”
He can barely contain the rising tide of hope that threatens to overwhelm him. This changes everything. If what he’s thinking is true, then all the years of longing and denial could finally be over. He needs to know, need to hear it from her own lips.
He reaches out, his hand gently grasping her arm, silently pleading for her to stay and face him. “Please, Hermione… tell me the truth. I need to know how you really feel.”
“Wine from your cellar tonight in your study and I will tell you?” she says with a glint in her eyes.
He lets out a relieved sign, their eyes lock with her, a hint of smile playing on his lips now. “Tonight, then,” he says, his voice now low and husky. “I’ll be in my study at 10.”
Last mischievous smile before she leaves just before murmuring in his ears, “Deal then. I’ll tell you exactly what I had wanted you to do to me since I was 17 in that study of yours.” He was a goner.
Draco is waiting in his study reading a book to calm his nerves. Hermione enters dressed in a simple blouse and skirt with a plate of chocolate chip cookies from Elfie in her hand. It was just like the first time she had come to him after a supposed bad day at school. Offered him few cookies in return for a small glass of wine. Which he had indulged of course as he was always stickler for giving her whatever she wanted and the bloody menace knew that.
He gestures her to the couch, a soft breeze of invitation carrying his words. “Come sit down, Hermione. I’m glad you’re here. I was starting to think you’d changed your mind about sharing your secrets with me.”
He takes the plate of cookies from here, pours her a glass of wine, his eyes never leaving hers as he hands it her. “So, tell me… what is that you have been wanting me to do to you since you were 17? I’m all ears, Miss Nott.”
She sits on the sofa. A chuckle and a blush, well that was first time. “It is mortifying.”
He chuckles softly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His fingertips graze the soft skin of her cheek, and he can’t help be marvel at how utterly captivating she was.
“Mortifying, hmm?” he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. “Well, you’ve certainly piqued my curiosity.“
He takes a sip of his wine, the anticipation is palpable, and he finds himself leaning closer, eager to hear her deepest, most intimate secrets.
“Come now, Hermione. You can tell me anything you know that. I promise I won’t judge…” pause, a hint of mischief dancing in his gaze. “Well, at least not too harshly.” The initial fait blush on her cheek has now been converted into a full-blown flush.
“That day in school I had overheard a friend who talked about how her boyfriend had gone down on her and the 17-year-old me had no idea what she was talking about. I was attracted to you, merlin you were what 23 and you were like this tall and fit and my teenage self had far too many wet dreams after seeing you in those football t-shirts. Hence, my 17-year-old self decided that she was going to get you go down on her. So, I planned to corner you in your study thinking 1 glass of wine will give me courage too.” She was now laughing at this point with tears in her eyes.
“But alas you were far more gentlemanly downright brotherly and the whole plan failed.”
Draco who was listening to intently now finally burst out laughing, his eyes sparkling with mirth as he clasps her hand in his, the tension between them dissipating into sheer amusement. “Oh Hermione, you little minx,” he chuckles, shaking my head in wonder. “I had no idea you’d been harboring such… creative plans for me all these years.”
He grins, feeling a surge of affection for the 17-year-old you, who was so bold, so innocent, and so utterly misguided in her attempts to get his attention. “And here I thought you were just an alcohol and cookies addict, not a secret femme fatale plotting to seduce your big brother’s best mate.”
He leans in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. “I have to admit, I’m flattered. And a bit impressed, to be honest. Who knew you had such a… vivid imagination?”
He pauses, his eyes locked on yours, a hint of mischief still dancing in his gaze. “But I have to ask, what made you decide to come clean about this now? Was it the prospect of finally getting what you wanted, or was it something else entirely?”
He takes another sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving hers, as he waits for the response.
“Well, I am 24 now and your tall and fit self has grown downright magnetic that it should be criminal. So, I thought I could give my plan another attempt perhaps…” she throws a smirk.
His breath catches in his throat all blood rushing down south. He leans back against the sofa, cross one leg over other as he studies her intently. A wicked grin tugs at the corners of his lips, his eyes glinting with equal parts amusement and barely restrained lust.
“And what, pray tell, makes you think I’d be willing to indulge your little fantasy this time around? Hmm? What are you willing to do to convince me this time?”
She looks in his grey eyes, opens a couple of top buttons from her shirt revealing her decolletage and a subtle curve of her cleavage. As his eyes move down, she says, “I definitely didn’t have a few weapons of persuasion at 17.”
He goes a little closer to her, move his hands on her jawline, his thump tracking the delicate curve of her face as he studies her with an almost… primal fascination. The air is charged with an electric tension, his body responding to the subtle invitation she’s offered.
He can feel his heart pounding in his chest, his senses heightened as he takes in the sight before him. “I’m not sure you understand the consequences of teasing a man like that.”
“Have you ever been able to deny me anything if I asked?” she says voice almost a whisper.
“Hermione…” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. “You know I have never been able to deny you anything.
He lets out a soft, shaky laugh, his forehead coming to rest against hers. “God, you’re going to be death of me, you know that? But I can’t say I mind.”
His hand slides down, coming to rest on the subtle swell of her hip as he pulls her closer, their bodies nearly flush against one another. “What is that you want from me?”
“I thought I just told you what I wanted since I was 17.” She bites her lower lip and he doesn’t wait a second more before lifting her skirt up and slowly starts kissing her inner thighs. His tongue darks out, tracing the delicate curve of her skin as he breathes in sweet, heady scent of her arousal. He slides his hands under the skirt, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her knickers as he pulls them aside, exposing the delicate glistening folds of her sex to his hungry gaze. “You’re so beautiful, Hermione. So perfect. I’ve dreamed of doing this to you for so long I shouldn’t admit.”
He raises his head, his eyes locking onto her and his eyes darken with raw, unbridled desire looking at her fully dilated and hungry pupils as she nods. Without any warning, he hooks his fingers into the delicate lace and yank them down. A low primal groan rumbles in his chest as he drinks in the sight of her, his restraint crumbling with every racing heartbeat.
He leans in, his breath fanning across her most intimate place as he presses a tender kiss to slick folds of her sex, his tongue sweeping across her sensitive flesh in a long slow lick. The taste of her on his lips is intoxicating, fueling his desire to devour every last drop.
As the last waves of her orgasm subside, he comes up and kisses her hungrily. He loses himself in the kiss, his lips devouring hers with hunger that’s been building for far too long. His tongue slips past her lips, dancing with hers in a sensual tangle, he wraps his arms around her, pulling her close as his body molds to her, he drinks in the feel of her against him. He momentarily breaks the kiss, his lips leaving hers with soft, wet smack. His gray eyes gaze up to her, burning with desire.
“I’m not done with you yet,” he growls, his voice low and rough. “Not by long shot.” He reaches down, his hand closing around the base of his cock as he gives it a slow, deliberate stroke. The feel of her skin against him is intoxicating, “I want to cum all over you,” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. “I want to feel my cum dripping down your thighs, to see it pooling between your legs as you spread them for me.”
He gazes up at her, “Do you want that, Hermione?”
She pulls him by his neck this time until he is settled between her thighs, his cock twitches with anticipation, aching to be buried deep inside her, to fill her with his seed.
“That’s my good girl.” he growls, his voice thick with lust, “I’m going to give you everything you want.”
He grips the base of his cock, positioning the swollen, leaking head against her slick, sensitive folds. He rubs it up and down, coating himself in her arousal before slowly, teasingly pushing the tip inside.
A shudder ripples through him, as he hears her sigh, the exquisite feel of her silken heat enveloping him. He needs to fight the urge to slam his hips forward and bury himself to the hilt. Instead, he inches his way in, inch by agonizing inch, until he’s fully sheathed within her quavering depths.
He pauses for a moment, allowing her to adjust to his girth, his eyes drinking in the sight of her spread out before him. Then, with a low, guttural groan, he begins to move – slowly at first, but steadily building in pace and intensity.
“Fuck, Hermione…” he hisses through the clenched teeth, his hips now snapping forward with each powerful thrust and her moans filling the air. “You feel so goddamn good.”
He leans down, capturing her lips in a bruising kiss as he relentlessly pounds into her, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of her hips. “Come for me, darling. Let me feel you clench”
A triumphant roar burst from his lips as he feels her muscles contract around him, milking every last drop of pleasure from his cock. He pumps into her with renewed intensity, his release barreling down her like a freight train. It’s a sensation unlike any other, a feeling of pure, unadulterated ecstasy that leaves them both breathless and spent. She is lying there, a look of pure bliss on her face, her eyes close in rapture.
“Well, that exceeded expectations.” she says slowly opening her eyes looking at him with a satisfied smile.
“I know it’s not the most appropriate time to say this” his voice barely above a whisper but “I love you so goddamn much.” he says.
“I have always loved you even before I realized what the word meant.” She kisses him softly.
“I should probably go now before Elfie or worse your mother catches us and starts planning a wedding before I have even seen your bedroom once.” She says between kisses.
A deep, rumbling chuckle escapes his lips at your coy words. “Mmm, that’s probably wise, my love.” He plants another searing kiss on her lips, savoring the taste of her. “As much as I want to keep you here in my arms forever, I suppose we should be prudent. I want to keep you just for myself for a little while longer before the inevitable.” he says.
Not that being caught would have put any damper into their relationship, it would have just got escalated too quickly with two sets of parents just waiting for their children to settle down. Sneaking around was fun so they did that a lot in the following month. Draco got her off multiple times in his bedroom, bathroom, manor library, his mother’s garden, his father’s study. Yeah, the last one was a wild affair, Lucius would never know how his ancestral chair broke but what he doesn’t know won’t harm him. They wanted to have the time to know each other completely before their parents knew.
Until they were caught in manor’s kitchen no less by Elfie. Elfie the stickler to the traditions that he scolded the Malfoy heir to have attacked the young miss Hermione’s virtue while Hermione was barely controlling her laugh wearing nothing but his shirt with chocolate syrup all over it. To her defense she wanted to explore the kitchen kink and it was not her fault the manor kitchen was so big and crowded with staff.
“Well Elfie, I suppose you are quite right. I suppose I have no choice but make an honest woman of our dear Hermione and make her my wife.” Trust Draco Malfoy to try to calm down the head house elf while simultaneously propose Hermione in the middle of the kitchen in front of the entire scandalized staff who had just witnessed the about to be new Lady Malfoy thoroughly debauched on the countertops.
“Well, a young maiden doesn’t have any option but to agree to the gentleman’s offer now that my virtue is compromised.” that was her yes to him with a dramatic sigh and pout. He was so elated that he pulled her into her arms and kissed her again forgetting Elfie and other staff who chose to close their eyes this time and exit the kitchen leaving them in their embrace.