Archive of Our Own

After meticulous research, hours of investigation spanning over four months, she had drawn her final conclusions and was ready to present her evidence for further discussion. 

“Have any of you seen Draco Malfoy smile?” 

Chatter amongst the table had died in a blink. All heads turned to her as if she spoke another language. Pansy was the first to break the confused atmosphere.

“Have we seen Draco smile?” She huffed a laugh in disbelief,  “Are you doing a bit right now?” 

Hermione shook her head. 

“No no. I mean—since the war, I guess. Even in the last year let’s say. Have you seen him smile?” She asked again and watched everyone share a look. This time they thought their friend had truly gone bonkers. To ask such a random and bizarre question made them all slightly concerned for her, she could see it on their faces. 

“Yeah, here and there,” said Harry.

“Suppose so,” A confused Ron replied.

“Draco smiles occasionally.” Theo added, looking for reassurance from Pansy and Daphne. 

“He does,” Daphne reassured.

“When it’s warranted.” Pansy raised a brow at Hermione and she groaned as she went on. 

“I mean, full teeth, cheeks hurting, big, bright smile. Have you seen him do one of those?” 

The table went silent and everyone suddenly looked unsure. Aha, she knew it. 

“See! He doesn’t smile.” She argued and Ron snorted. 

“Mione, no offense, but why do you care if Malfoy smiles?” He asked and Hermione went into a bit of a rant. 

“Don’t you think it’s weird? You’re his friends,” she said gesturing to Theo, Daphne and Pansy who were all staring at her like she was seriously disturbed, “you’re a funny group. We all are and yet he never fully smiles. Here—“ 

She scooted her chair back and scurried over into the other room and picked up multiple picture frames and began handing them out to each person. 

“Even in photos, you can’t get more than a forced grin from him. All flat with no emotion. Look at him at your wedding, look!” Hermione pointed to Pansy and Harry’s wedding photo. Draco stood beside her with Theo, Daphne and Blaise around them as well. Everyone was beaming, Draco though he didn’t look unhappy also didn’t show much emotion before the indifferent grin he gave the camera. 

“And the one at your wedding Daph.” Hermione squished herself between Ron and Daphne to point at the group photo. 

“I didn’t exactly expect Malfoy to smile at my wedding.” Ron joked and Harry chortled in agreement. 

“Same.” 

“Okay but what about this picture at Luna’s baby shower.” She pointed out and held it up for everyone to see. “He was named godfather of Luna and Theo’s soon to be born baby. Not even a squinty smirk!” 

“Granger, not that I’m highly amused by your little rambling but what’s your point in all this?” Pansy asked broadly and Theo chimed in. 

“Yeah. So what if Draco doesn’t smile as much as he used to. He’s not depressed, he’s just…different.” 

“Stoic.” Pansy said. 

“Sullen.” Luna grinned. 

“Unbothered.” Harry of all people said and was given a glare by Hermione. 

“Well it’s just a shame really.” She said, finally sitting back down with a humph. 

“Mione, it’s Malfoy. He’s not exactly rainbows and sunshines. What d’you expect?” Ron told her and she frowned. 

“One smile, just one, genuine, happy-to-be-alive, smile. And I’m going to get him to show it.” 

The room went silent again, all eyes staring in disbelief. She was just on the verge of snapping when Theo cleared his throat. 

“Well good luck with that one, love.” 

Harry tried to surprise a laugh, snorting into his plate. He received a harsh jab in the side by his wife but the action only made Ron burst into a fit of giggles. Theo and Luna followed after and soon, Daphne and Pansy gave each other a look and burst into cackles. 

Hermione frowned at her friend group, knowing they doubted she was entirely serious. She was going to do it: She was going to get Draco Malfoy to smile.

The meeting she called was a farce,  she just wanted the chance to speak with Malfoy and possibly get him to laugh. For some reason, she thought getting him to laugh would be an easier task than getting a single, isolated smile.

A quick knock brought her out of her focus. She wiped her palms on her skirt and stood from her desk. Draco stood on the other side of the door, raising both brows in greeting before stepping inside. 

“Granger, you wanted to speak with me about—“ 

“About the upcoming budget and the layoffs in the Magical Transportation yes.” She said as she walked back to her desk. 

“I thought I pretty much covered everything in the last meeting with Department Heads.” He said, fixing the knot of his tie and putting a leg over one knee. He looked wholly relaxed as he sifted through his notes. 

Hermione squinted her eye, trying to spew some nonsense believable lie for him. 

“Yes well I—I had some follow up questions. It won’t really take too long. I just wanted some clarification on some things.” She said and nervously looked up. Malfoy raised his hands, gesturing for her to start. 

Perhaps in hindsight her plan to get him alone and throw in a joke here and there was in poor taste. Hermione was twenty minutes in and three jokes made and Malfoy had barely even smirked at her comments. 

“—though I do suppose it was time for Whitford to retire. He’s blinder than Harry without his glasses.” She tried one last joke at Harry’s expense to see if it would move his needle. 

Malfoy was still writing down some notes, acknowledging her joke with a humph. She wasn’t even sure if it could constitute as a huff. 

“Anything else then?” He asked and closed his notepad. Hermione frowned. 

“Uh, no. That’s it. Thank you for this.” She said, standing as he did. 

“Sure. I’ll run the numbers based on your suggestions but I think the department is still looking at four positions being absolved. I’ll contact you with any additional findings.” He told her even though she already knew that. 

“Right, thank you.” She said dejectedly. 

Hermione refused to be put off by her failure. One meeting and some bad jokes weren’t going to get him to smile, how could she think like such an ammeter? She had to be quick on her feet, witty.

“Um, Malfoy, wait!” The volume of her voice was a bit loud. She inwardly cringed when he slowly turned around and gave her a blank look. She smiled insecurely. 

“What um, what plans, if any, do you have for this Friday night?” She asked, not even sure if she spoke a legitimate sentence. One of his blonde brows rose and he blinked at her exactly three times. 

“I have no plans as of yet.” He said and made no move to ask her why. 

“Would you care to accompany me to a show that evening?” She questioned and felt her heartbeat in her ears. 

Malfoy continued staring, gray colored eyes not moving an inch and giving nothing away. Not even a hint of surprise showed through his face. It was quite unsettling for a human to appear marbleized.

“What time?” He finally asked. She almost gasped in shock. 

“I’ll have to check but I believe it starts at six-thirty.” She told him quickly, lying right through her teeth. 

He stiffly nodded once. 

“Owl me the time and details once you know for certain. Tell me what time you’d like to be picked up as well. ” He said then left her before she conjured an intelligible thought. 

“O-okay, yeah.” She said and watched him stroll down the hallway. Hermione went back into her office, casted a cooling charm over her and began researching comedy show tickets available for this Friday night. 

Malfoy picked her up right on time. He had worn a white turtleneck and dark gray slacks with black buckled shoes. A different sight than his work suits, but Hermione had felt a little underdressed in his company. 

She only put on jeans, a jumper and a faded black denim jacket. They were going out in muggle London, so she rationalized there was no need to get gussied up, now she was regretting her decision standing next to Malfoy.

They walked to the apparation point while exchanging common pleasantries. He politely asked how her work week went, she asked if he was doing anything else for the weekend. It went back and forth until they reached the point and Hermione lifted her arm. 

“The show—it’s in muggle London. Sorry I should have said—“ 

“It’s fine.” He replied and took a hold of her arm. The clutch of his hand was steady and confident around her elbow. Hermione looked at where he grabbed her, focusing on getting there in one piece. 

The theatre was nearly at capacity once they arrived. Hermione worried this would be too many muggles for Malfoy,  but every time she looked at him, he seemed interested in the program and their surroundings. He asked no questions so she decided she’d fill him in. 

“It’s a comedy act. The performer we’re seeing has won a lot of muggle awards for his show. He’s even been in a couple movies. My parents say he’s quite good.” She rambled, watching his eyes read through the pamphlet.  

“How did you get these tickets?” He suddenly asked, looking over at her. 

Hermione wasn’t aware of their proximity until he turned his attention to her. Their shoulders were touching and she had placed her elbow on his rest so she could lean in and be heard above the noise. His aftershave was incredibly strong, so she slightly pulled back away from the cloudiness it was causing her brian.

“I-I had them.” She stuttered, heat rising up her back. 

“Did you buy them yourself?” Malfoy asked, his eyes narrowing skeptically. 

“Actually—“ she awkwardly laughed, “I had gotten them as a birthday present from my parents and I just—forgot that I had them.” 

His eyebrows creased but at the same moment, the lights went down and the audience started applauding. 

The show began and the act was tremendously hilarious. Hermione herself was cracking up. Throughout the night, she tried to peek from the corner of her eye to watch Malfoy. 

He hadn’t laughed once. There were scoffs, huffs and the occasional laughing from his chest that barely sounded like anything. He grinned, smirked and rolled his eyes, but never once smiled. The most she’d seen was the corner of his mouth tugging up and his eyes bright with delight. 

She supposed it was a start, better than nothing. 

When the show ended and they were walking along the pavement, she couldn’t help herself and nearly bursted. 

“Did you not like the show?” Hermione looked worriedly up at him. Malfoy’s face contorted to a strange expression. Like he was offended she asked. 

“I liked it. The lad was funny.” He told her and turned his head straight again. She continued staring at him. 

“Oh it just seemed—“ she started and slowed her thoughts so she wouldn’t be so outright with what she truly wanted to say, “that you didn’t like it. I didn’t hear you laugh that much.” 

He shook his head and puffed out his bottom lip before saying, “No it was good. Didn’t understand all the muggle references but still, quite enjoyable.” 

She swallowed, feeling even more confused now. 

“Okay, well–good. I’m glad.” She said unrhythmically, not completely satisfied with his answers. 

“I liked the part where he was talking about him and his siblings acting like a gang around his block. That was probably my favorite.” He told her randomly and Hermione glanced over at him. His eyes were set straight ahead, mouth flat. She frowned but went on to agree with him. 

“Yeah that was my favorite as well,” she replied honestly, “nearly cried when he imitated his parents during it.” 

Hermione couldn’t help but giggle a few times as she recalled the act. She did her best impression of the comedian and lowered her voice to do the bit they spoke of. She laughed hard at herself and the ridiculousness of it all. As if she just remembered who she was with, Hermione held her breath and looked sheepishly over at Draco. 

He had a weird look on his face. His lips were pursed like he was stuck between wanting to laugh and scolding her. Hermione would have laughed at the expression if she hadn’t felt so embarrassed by herself. 

“Sorry—“ 

“No, no.” He cleared his throat. “Was good. Spot on.” 

The frown she wore slowly dissolved when he saw the corner of his mouth pull up and the humor reach his eyes. It wasn’t a smile, not even a half. A quarter of one. But it didn’t matter really, because it reached his eyes and she could tell she was making more progress. 

When they reached their apparation point, Hermione turned to him,  more invigorated from when the night began.

“Thank you for joining me. I really hope you had fun.” She said and Malfoy coughed into his hand once, head tilted down to the ground as he stuffed his hands in his pocket. 

“Any—any time and yes I did.” He said, and she thought nothing of his quick stutter. 

“Well,” she smiled, and he just stared, “enjoy your weekend, have a good night.” 

“Yeah, you—you too.” He said lowly. 

When the seconds seeped into an uncomfortable length, Hermione awkwardly waved then disapparated. 

While she determined the night to be a small success, there was much work to do. 

Though Hermione was still not much of a Quidditch fan, she did enjoy going to the games and drinking with friends. She found the more she drank, the more she was willing to engage in friendly chatter with people. The environment was lively and there was always someone willing to tell her about the players or history of the team without being aggravated with all her questions.

She knew that Malfoy enjoyed attending quidditch matches, having heard from Theo they usually attend at least three matches per year when their schedules allow it. And as luck would have it, Hermione had scored two tickets to the Ballycastle Bats game for Saturday afternoon and Malfoy had shockingly agreed to go with her without question. 

When he arrived to pick her up, she was pleasantly surprised to see him in a Bats jumper and even wore a red beanie to match the colors. Hermione blinked a couple times, not remembering a time where Malfoy wore such casual clothing. 

When she caught herself staring, she forced a smile and quickly locked her door. 

“Are they expected to win today?” She questioned, truly having no idea. 

“The Magpies are on a three game win streak and the Bats are just coming off a loss. Plus they play at home so I suspect the odds would favor us.” He explained, hands inside the pocket of his jumper. She nearly chuckled at how youthful he looked in his fan wear. 

“So they’ll be extra rowdy and come at the Magpies with a vengeance?” She questioned. 

“Exactly.” Malfoy said, staring at her for a lengthy moment. She grinned up at him, proud of herself for knowing what he meant. 

When they reached the apparation point, it was him who outstretched his arm for her to take. She smiled gratefully and was surprised to see his usual air of indifference gone. Now he looked almost gladdened. 

They landed in the middle of Ballycastle’s quidditch town. The pubs and streets were packed with fans from both teams, but the streets were decorated in red and black. She looked around with round eyes, smiling at the overall merriment of the crowd and hadn’t realized her arm was still wrapped in his. 

Neither person released their hold, and the two switched off guiding the other through the massive crowd. Both of them making sure the other was close by with quick looks behind and soft reassuring grins as they weaved and bobbed around and through people. 

They found their seats with no issue, only after Hermione insisted they get spiked apple cider and bloody bat marshmallow bites—red dyed chocolate dipped marshmallows shaped like bats. 

The announcer came on the speakers, reading off the teams roster and starting line up. When the bats were introduced, Hermione cheered as best she could with one arm holding a cider and the other holding chocolate covered marshmallows. A loud, wavering whistle sounded off next to her and she turned so quickly she heard her neck crack. 

Malfoy whistled noisily, levitating his cider so he could clap with both hands. He caught her eye, turning to send her a cheeky smirk. Her breath stalled for a moment, completely dumbfounded by the tiny dimple just on the corner of his mouth. It was the largest smile she’d ever seen from him, and his teeth weren’t even showing. 

She didn’t stop staring until he turned back to face the front. Hermione shook her head as if to bring forth all the other thoughts she lost in those few seconds. The announcer began the game, and they were off.

Hermione had finished her cider rather quickly and flagged down one of the vendors for another. She turned to ask if Malfoy wanted another but he was hardly half way through with his. When he caught her look of hesitance, he took a sip from his and said, “By all means, go ahead.” 

She waved over the vendor and was handed her cider. Malfoy paid the man before she had the chance to extend her hand full of money. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” She said as he just shrugged. 

Maybe it was the warmth of the alcohol or the sunny autumn day, but Hermione was enjoying her Saturday with Malfoy and also couldn’t stop talking to him. She grew quite chatty when she was drunk and since he was her companion for the day, he was the designated bastard to listen to her spew facts she’s learned about quidditch. 

He’d oblige her by adding his own random facts, or acknowledge what she said with an appropriate, ‘I didn’t know that,’ or, ‘that’s interesting.’ His attention was focused equally on the game and her. For some reason, her stomach would flutter when his eyes were solely diverted to her and found herself inclined to keep them away from the game.

And that damned red beanie, it only made it worse.

Ballycastle Bats were up by thirty points when their seeker finally caught the snitch two hours and nineteen minutes later. The crowd bursted with cheers and began singing their victory song. Hermione, tipsy and warm-cheeked, joined in on the song despite her lack of knowing the lyrics. 

“‘Give a cheer for Ballycastle! Strongest—Fastest—smartest—grandest! U RAH! RAH!” She spun around in a circle, clapping her hands and high fiving the bat fans next to her. When she faced Draco, she jabbed her fist into his shoulder and continued wrongly singing the words. 

“Come on!” She urged. 

There was an interesting noise she heard above the singing and cheering. It was quiet, low and very lovely. She could have been wrong but she thinks Draco Malfoy just chuckled. When she looked at him, that bright smirk was back and he was staring right at her. 

“You’re sort of funny, Granger.” He said, and brought his arm around her waist to guide her away from their seats. 

She was too flustered by his hand on her back that she could hardly fathom the full compliment. Even if it wasn’t a full compliment, it caused a consistently present grin on her face.

He politely apparated her home when she told him she was slightly drunk. Her honesty apparently was good enough to receive another one of those stomach clenching smirks. She was so close to a real smile, she could feel it ready to happen in her bones.

Outside of her door, she thanked him for joining her and repeatedly asked if he enjoyed himself. 

“Of course. The win made it better.” He told her. 

“Obviously. And my record still hasn’t been broken.” She said with a beaming smile and he gave her a confused look. 

“What record?” He questioned. 

“Every quidditch game I’ve attended this year, my team wins.” She explained, leaning up against the door. 

“Oh, that’s actually impressive,” he told her then followed up, “How many matches have you been to this year then?” 

Hermione looked sly as a dog. 

“Just this one.” 

Malfoy’s brows moved downward before that chuckling noise from his chest rang through her ears again. He grinned, allowing her to see that small indent on the corner of his mouth once more. Stone colored eyes seemed to be polished and shining in the afternoon light. 

He shook his head and pocketed his hands. 

“That’s—great for you. Lucky charm of sorts.” 

For some reason unbeknownst to her, Hermione felt compelled to be a bit of a flirt. 

“Guess you’ll have to take me to the next Ballycastle game if you want the win streak to continue.” Surprisingly, she finished her sentence with a wink. The spiked cider was fully in her bloodstream, and she could think about how embarrassing her action was tomorrow morning, but for now, she winked and smirked at him and felt mighty doing it.

Malfoy looked almost taken aback, but then, his eyes moved downwards for a flicker of a second. He wore the look of someone who wasn’t quite sure of himself or the sight before. His brows furrowed, a slight ‘hm’ buzzing from his lips. 

“Guess so.” He finally said. The heat in her eyes made her smile drop and belly clench. Was it heat, or was her cider spiked head imagining it? 

“I um—“ She said, clearing her throat and fiddling with her hand on her doorknob. She missed it a few times, knocking her knuckles into the door. “Thanks again, I’ll—I’ll see you Monday.” 

Malfoy nodded once, eyes alight with amusement. 

“Bye Granger.” 

He walked away and she finally got her door open. When she stepped inside, it took her a few extra seconds before she could shut the door and block out his retreating figure and the back of his head wearing that red beanie.

There was an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach on Monday. Not that she ran into Draco often at the Ministry, but she was typically offered at least a couple run-in’s with him throughout the week. However, she had an inkling that she was bound to see him more than a couple times. Whether it was an inkling or a hope, she didn’t ignore the sign. So she dressed in her best work robes every single day. 

Bully for her, because she saw him more than once every single day. 

And the unsettling feeling only grew when he’d nod his head at her in greeting and give a half smile that reached his eyes every time they passed. The almost smile was still enough to send a sprawling blush through her cheeks. 

By midweek, she had already devised another way to earn a full smile that was surely full proof. Now she just needed the nerve to get him alone. What was not anticipated was that Malfoy would seek her out first. 

“Granger?” He called from behind and she almost rolled her ankle for how quickly she turned around. 

“Hi, Malfoy.” She replied, grinning warmly as her eyes betrayed her and roamed over his current attire. Something about him wearing turtlenecks just sent a shiver across her body. When she looked back up, she realized he was staring with a hesitant expression. “Did you need something?” 

He softly shook his head once, looking like someone who was daydreaming. 

“Did you have lunch yet?” He asked and she felt the air leave her lungs disappointedly. 

“Yes, I brought some leftovers from home.” Hermione had a feeling he was going to ask her to lunch if she wasn’t so stupid and had eaten already. 

“Mm.” He said and put both hands in his pants pockets.  “Did you know Fortescue’s is premiering a new autumnal flavor today?” 

Her eyebrows lifted. 

“No, I had no idea.” She told him and he gave the slightest of nods. 

“It’s uh, coffee bourbon chocolate chip,” he relayed and she hummed thoughtfully, “I was going to stop there right now, I’m in need of a break. Did—did you want to join?” 

Hermione couldn’t remember a time when Malfoy seemed diffident but that’s exactly what he was standing before her. 

“I’d love to,” she said, “could use something sweet right now. Let me just grab my coat. I’ll meet you in the atrium.” 

They parted and met again five minutes later. Flooing one after the other into Diagon Alley. Conversation about work flowed with ease, weekend plans were briefly mentioned and Draco even made a joke about getting tea with his mother and how he’d prefer to read tea leaves with Professor Trelawney.

She got a cone, he got a dish, two scoops each. They decided to eat outside where it was barely warmer than inside. 

“This is good.” She commented, taking a big lick around her cone. 

“It is.” He replied, taking measured and small scoops on his spoons. 

She looked up, seeing a serious expression over his face as he licked his lips and took another scoop. A lighthearted huff sounded from her mouth and it caught his attention.

“What?” Malfoy asked, crunching on chocolate chips. 

Hermione shook her head, taking another lick of her ice cream. 

“No, come on. Share with the class what you find so humorous.” He requested and she giggled again. 

“Suppose I find it humorous the way you eat ice cream.” She said and he raised his eyebrows. 

“And why’s that?” He asked. 

“You eat it like a calculated equation. Your face looks like the ones you wear during your budget briefings and there’s at least ten questions on issues you’ve already discussed.” She pointed out and he shrugged.

“I like to think about what I’m eating and really process how it tastes.” He explained nonchalantly. She gave him a look.

“So you’re an ice cream connoisseur?” 

“Not at all,” he said with a frown and stared at his dish. He looked up at her just as his lips curled into a smug grin, “but I do have an affinity for recognizing something appetizing when it's in front of me.” 

He put the spoon in his mouth and Hermione would have bet all her galleons that he sucked on it a little longer than necessary. 

“Says you.” She mumbled, licking her ice cream so she could finally bite into the cone. It seemed the heat caused from his flustering comment made her dessert melt faster. She was having difficulty keeping up with the drips threatening to leak onto her skin.

Draco, already done with his, looked at her frantic licking and asked quite indifferently, “Need some help?” 

She furrowed her brows. “With my ice cream? Are you done already?” 

He answered by vanishing the rubbish and folding his hands on the table. 

“Should have got another scoop.” She commented. 

“Are you saying you aren’t going to share?” Malfoy asked with a single eyebrow raised. 

“Absolutely not. You ate yours fast. Perhaps you should go inside and—“ 

The sentence abruptly ended when his finger sprawled over her wrist and brought her arm forward. Once the ice cream was brought to his lips, Draco extended his tongue from his mouth and took a long swipe from the cone. All while his eyes remained on hers. 

The press of his fingers on her wrist felt searing hot. When he returned her hand, his tongue had just dipped out to catch the last bits of cream on his lips. Hermione swallowed and stared dumbly at the movement, watching until they stretched into a cockily wide smirk. 

“Thanks for sharing anyways.” He said teasingly. 

Hermione inhaled deeply and looked at her ice cream, where his tongue and lips just were. 

“Well,” she said, voice cracking,  “now you’ve just contaminated it. I suppose you can have more if you’d like.” She said quietly, feigning a pout and offered up the cone once more.

Draco’s fingers curled around her wrist and brought her fingers dangerously close to his mouth, tongue and lips. This lick was quicker than the last much to her surprising dismay. 

“How generous of you.” He said, his voice still teasing.

“Don’t get used to it.” She sniped back and brought the cone to her mouth, trying to ignore the thrill that went through as she did. 

That rumbling chuckle that sounded quite lively but didn’t match his expression was released from his chest. Hermione shook her head at herself, annoyed that she was elated she could get him to half laugh. 

She still wanted that smile. 

Hermione felt him approaching. His deliberately slow yet thundering loud footsteps rang in her ears and she failed to keep down a smirk. 

“What do you have there?” his warm breath hit the back of her neck and she took a moment to collect herself before she faced him. 

She lifted her palm to reveal the multi-color coated candy in her hand. 

“Smarties.” Hermione replied and finally looked up. Malfoy was a lot closer than she anticipated. 

His one arm was resting against the wall, high above his head as it held his weight. One ankle was crossed against the other and his other hand was resting on his hip. 

More importantly, she detected the faintest traces of sultriness in his gaze. It was bewitching, to see someone convey so much with their eyes while barely letting their face lead their emotions. 

Malfoy plucked one of the candies from her hand and plucked it in his mouth. 

“I don’t remember saying I was sharing these.” She reprimanded while popping a few in her mouth. 

“Well, your hand is open so I thought it was a free for all.” He replied coyly, eyes casted down to her palm as he took a couple more. It allowed her a few moments to dazedly look at him.

His eyes met her, a smug grin on his lips. She was further sucked into his hypnotizing features. The days of him hardly looking alive felt like ages ago. All she saw these days were his beguiling expressions. 

“Don’t eat all of them.” She warned, “Otherwise I’ll charge you a fee.” 

He chuckled, mouth still closed. Hermione could almost feel the vibrations from her chest shoot across into her own. 

“I think I can afford it.” He told her. 

“It’ll be a hefty price. With interest.” She said, her knuckles brushing his as they both went for the same smartie. She swatted his hand and grabbed it quickly. 

“Trust me, I’ve got galleons to spare.” Malfoy said quieter than before, eyes ablaze. 

“I hope you do. Otherwise you’d be robbing me of my afternoon pick me up.” She asked, now almost whispering. The fight to keep down her smile was growing harder and she was ready to surrender. 

“Not my intention.” He muttered.

“What was your intention?” 

“To partake in an afternoon treat with sweet company.” 

Hermione could have sworn they somehow moved closer. She could smell his aftershave more clearly and feel his breath on her tongue.  The scents of him made her drowsy and eyes grow heavy as she stared into his pearl-like pools.  

Their stares lingered, a gravitational force bringing them infinitesimally closer. Hermione was moon eyed, too afraid to look anywhere else but him. 

A door down the hall slammed open, making the two jump at the noise and Hermione to take a step away. They both turned to see a crowd of Ministry employees leave a meeting room. When their attention moved back on each other, the atmosphere was uncertain and volatile. 

“I should—“ she gestured over her shoulder, glancing back at the crowd that was passing, “get back to work.” 

“Right, me too.” He said, looking disappointed. 

Hermione bit her lip, a fiercer blush blooming on her face. She couldn’t help but giggle. A childishly giddy feeling came over her. 

“Well I’ll—I’ll see you.” 

At the sight of her smile, it seemed Malfoy’s face loosened. One corner of his mouth moved and she saw that tiny dimple that she now considered her best friend. 

“See you, Granger.” 

She lingered a few more seconds, nodding again with a dopey smile.

“S-see you.” She said again. Malfoy raised one eyebrow. 

“See you.” He mimicked, his voice low and eyes burning. His grin was so wide. It was almost…

“Okay,” she said softly, “bye.” 

Hermione licked her lips and moved away from him before she did something that was highly inappropriate for the workplace. 

 Hermione was consumed with getting Malfoy to smile. So much so, that it’s all she thought of before bed.

Lying under the covers, she’d replay her day and the moments where she interacted with him. Her toes would curl and legs tighten as she’d grin madly to herself in the dark as images of his smug looks flashed through her mind. 

The excitement of seeing him smile and the small ones she’d receive would keep her restless. It felt like she was given a private act anytime he’d grin. He would still give lackluster expressions to those around him, except her. It appeared that whenever their eyes met, both parties could not contain their dallying looks. It made Hermione feel sublime.

When her energy was particularly high, she’d feel inclined to slide her hands down to her thighs, rubbing her skin softly as another still of his smirks flashed in her mind. The calming sensations would calm her body but make her heart rate pick up. 

Her hand would move over her mound and dip under her knickers when she wondered how his smirk would feel pressed against her lips. She assumed they’d feel plump and teasing as he grinned into her neck, pressing kisses down over her hot chest. 

With those thoughts, she’d find her swollen nub and begin circling it, imagining the cocky grin he’d wear if he placed himself between her legs and felt her wetness. She could almost hear that low, baritone chuckle as he rubbed himself up and down her slick folds.

“Granger, you’re drenched.” He’d tell her. Hermione tightened the circles around her clit, thighs quaking. 

“Do something about it.” She’d reply and watch his relieved smile once he pushed into her.

Malfoy would have a perfect row of white and shiny teeth that glinted at her in the darkness of her room. She’d look at the one perfect dimple as she moaned out in pleasure. 

He’d be so pleased with how she felt and sounded that he would lean down and kiss her breathless, an amused smile on his face as she begged him to go harder. 

Hermione at this point would dip her fingers inside her opening, trying to imitate the fill she fantasized about and bring the wetness up to her clit. Just as she flirted with her climax, she pictured him smiling above her, completely enraptured. 

“Oh Hermione.” He’d groan for her. 

And she’d fall apart. 

She had just hoped the real thing was more satisfying than her imagination. 

Hermione walked through the doors of the pub, hair slightly damp and coat damper from the rain. She hung it up and quickly casted a drying charm over her, not too focused on performing it correctly since she had already been flagged down by Harry standing with his wife by the bar. 

She smiled and gratefully took the drink from Harry.

“It’s about time you got here.” Pansy said and it sounded like Hermione was being scolded. 

“Sorry, sorry. I know, I know.” She took a sip of her drink, “I got held up with a last second tip that—“

“I don’t actually care,” Pansy held up her hand rudely, “I’m just glad you’re finally here. Daphne is attempting to learn that new muggle game over there and I need someone to convince her to stop before she takes someone’s eye out.” 

Hermione looked across the pub to find Daphne and Ron trying to play darts. Daphne threw it too softly so it bounced off the board with a loud clang and fell to the floor. She stifled a laugh and her eyes focused on the foreground, seeing Draco and Theo a few feet away from them. They were talking about something, Theo laughing, tapping him on the shoulder and Draco nodding with his usual lack of enthusiasm. 

Hermione hadn’t known that Pansy would catch her staring like that, she would have turned her attention back on the couple in front of her sooner if she did. Instead, she was caught eyeing up Malfoy with a small, subtle grin on her face. 

Pansy rolled her eyes, having just about enough of it. 

“Why don’t you just go over there and kiss him?” She suggested blatantly and Harry choked on his drink. Hermione’s mouth opened in stupor as she stared at her. 

“Wh—why on earth would I do that?” The pitch of her voice grew loud in her ears. Pansy gave her a dumb look and nodded to where Malfoy was standing.

“You’ve been going on dates—“ 

“Those were not dates!” She defended and Pansy rolled her eyes. 

“Oh please! The Ballycastle game? The comedy show? Daphne just told me you have plans to see The Hobgoblins in a month with him. If those aren’t dates then I guess Potter and I aren’t married.” She listed and added the last part with a scoff.

“Yes I did all that to try and get him to smile! Don’t you remember me bringing that up?” Hermione said weakly. Quite honestly, she didn’t even believe herself at this point. Yes she did want to see him smile but now she was content with just being by him and having simple yet intricate conversations and going on…not dates. 

“Come on Granger. Everyone’s seen you two make googly eyes at each other the last couple weeks. Not to mention your eyes glow every time his name gets brought up.” Pansy said.

“She’s not wrong y’know.” Harry added with a shrug, tapping his fingers on his rum and pop. 

Hermione groaned. 

“Harry, I think you’ve been corrupted by your wife.” Hermione accused and glared at them both. Harry just beamed. 

“Yes, I think you’re right. I quite enjoy being corrupted by her too.” He wrapped his palm around Pansy’s waist and brought her close to kiss her lips. When they pulled apart Pansy stuck her tongue out at Hermione and she rolled her eyes in return. 

As her stare righted, they caught sight of Draco once more. His face was like stone as he raised his bourbon up to his lips. It was a quick sip and while it happened, he caught her gaze. The glass lowered away from his face and revealed a coquettish smirk that almost made her drop her drink. 

Her heart thumped a bit harder, making her bones shake and blood run faster to her face. She offered a small smile of her own to him and quickly turned her head when she remembered her audience. 

Both Harry and Pansy just about gawked at her. Their faces mirrored each other with knowing looks and high eyebrows. 

“That made me horny.” Pansy said of their prolonged shared gaze and Hermione scoffed. 

“Please stop—“ 

“Mione, we all know you two fancy each other. It’s…painfully obvious.” Harry said with a displeased face.

“You want to see Malfoy actually smile? Go over there and kiss him. You’ll get the biggest smile you’ve ever bloody seen.” Pansy said, slowing the last three words of her sentence to exaggerate her point.

Hermione wetted her lips, eyes darting between the two who were waiting to accept the challenge. She looked over at Malfoy for a hesitant second, then back to Harry and Pansy again. 

“Oh bloody hell.” She finally said and handed Harry her drink. “Hold this.” 

As soon as it was out of her hand, she turned her feet and marched across the pub to Malfoy. Her fists balled at her sides, arms swinging with the adrenaline coursing inside her. 

When she was halfway across, he saw her. His head bobbed as he did a double take, a questionable look spreading over him before that smirk that she loved so much appeared. As if sensing the reason for her approach, he handed Theo his drink, who took it regardless of looking confused. 

A second before she reached him, she realized his face broke out into the widest grin she’d ever gotten from him. It was the type of grin you get just before a smile forms. His lips were parting, just showing the whites of his teeth, when she finally got to him. 

Hermione pulled him down by the neck, not even comprehending her own ear splitting smile on her face as she pressed her mouth onto his. 

Staggering soft lips met hers with a fierceness his outward personality concealed. Draco kissed her with a passion so intense it knocked the air from her lungs. The only remedy was more his taste. 

She knotted her fingers through his hair, pulling harder hoping to signal her desire for more. Her jaw opened and she licked a timid, teasing, stripe across his bottom lip before suckling on it.

Draco’s hands moved into her hair and down the curve of her arse. He carefully slid his tongue into her mouth, thrusting deeply so she could devour every part of him. Hermione very embarrassingly sighed at the feeling and vaguely heard the hoots and hollers of their friends outside of the pounding of her heart in her ears.

The cheers made her laugh, causing their kiss to stutter and break unevenly. 

When they pulled apart, Hermione was awe-struck by the extraordinary wide and exuberant smile on his face. It was one of those genuine, happy-to-be-alive smiles. Seeing it made her lips tingle and ache for another kiss. 

“You have…such a lovely smile.” She said breathlessly. 

Draco chuckled, as he fondly began stroking her cheek. 

“It’s only for people worthy enough to see it.” He explained and leaned down to kiss her again.

Hermione could feel his smile against her own.