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In the Pursuit	By : GreyEyedPhantom Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 2924 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All characters and the genius of Harry Potter is obviously in credit to the brilliant mind of JK Rowling. I make absolutely no money from doing this. I am only playing with the characters.

Chapter List
- 1-Chapter 1
- 1
Chapter 1

“There is no way you will ever convince her to do this. As of right now she has choices. I mean she’s brilliant, painfully kind and not to mention, but I’m going to because this appears to be bothering you, absolutely gorgeous. This ministry mandated insanity means nothing to her.” Blaise knew exactly what he was saying would drive his best friend to show his true colors, and even if the words were true he almost felt bad about saying them.
Cocking an eyebrow to cover the ire he was feeling, the blonde instead utilized what he knew best, slytherin tactics. “It’s because she’s brilliant and kind that she will see things my way, eventually. She may not need me or my money but she’ll want me by the deadline. I won’t let her slip away.”
“Then, allow me to give you some incentive to do so. If she doesn’t agree to marry you by a magical binding, I will pursue her.”
“And when she does, I expect you to back off and pursue Ginny Weasley.” He was quite interested in what their children would look like. He assumed they would take after Blaise, what with him being so dark and all. However, the Weasley blood ran strong in that family. The fact that Blaise could potentially sire red headed babes amused him. “In fact, you may want to get a head start on that. I’ve already started the traditional customs of courtship and I’m volunteering this weekend. With her.” Blaise didn’t need to know that he had gained his information from the headmaster himself, after allaying the headmaster’s concerns over Draco’s interest in the beautiful Gryffindor. “Of course, she doesn’t know that yet but she will when she sees me there.” And with a wink and a smirk, he almost skipped away, entirely pleased that his studying the little lioness over the six years they’ve known each other was going to finally secure him what he desired.
Dumbledore almost made him relinquish his pursuit of the golden girl, his inquisition of Draco’s interest took almost the entire morning and made him miss breakfast. Draco was, despite his lean appearance, quite a fan of all of his meals, including but not limited to the many sweets he indulged in throughout the day.
“Mr. Malfoy, you do understand my need for reassurance where the interest of Miss Granger is concerned.”
This was not a question. This was a statement he had made multiple times in a variety of ways. He wanted to know why Draco wanted to help her efforts in the volunteering for the many causes she championed. How could the young wizard make him understand that he wanted to understand her himself? That he wanted to be a part of what made her so enticing. Apart from her brilliance and beauty she was utterly and unfairly human. He wasn’t made to believe that to be soulful had merit. What was the value of one’s soul? Why should one feed it?
“In the hopes of not sounding too pathetic, I want to learn why she feels the need to help others. I want to show her I can be selfless.” He also desperately wanted to win her over. He wanted to prove his own selflessness. The endeavor itself was not. He planned to make her choose himself above all others. Because there will be others coming for her. Asking for her. Offering her things that he needed to prove that he could provide her.
“Do you want to show her, or perhaps yourself? It is interesting, Mr. Malfoy that this request comes to me before the Ministry has publicized the newest Wizarding Repopulation Order. Someone more cunning than I may have suspicions that you are after more than self-discovery. A way to regain a foothold in the new world. A way to exploit a kind and talented witch for your own advantages.”
“Sir, if I may, I’m not sure that anyone could manipulate Granger into doing someone else’s bidding. She is strength in its purest form. I know that your worries are not unfounded but I give you my word, despite the little worth the Malfoy name may carry, that although I am aware of the newest decree, that I am not looking to harm her. I am not looking to steal her away from the world she has saved. I want to help repair it.”
He looked at Draco over his half-moon spectacles and although he gave the young man a look of pure skepticism, he did see something more in his eyes. Something he had not seen in Lucius’s in many years. Was it honor? A want to be more?
“No, Draco, the Malfoy name may not mean much these days but YOUR name could mean a great deal. Miss Granger donates her time on Saturday mornings from 9 am on to the War Orphanage, on Wednesdays and Fridays she heads to the village after her last class, which I believe is with you in potions, to help repair and rebuild any homes that were a casualty. So many people lost their homes and families, I believe Miss Granger is finding peace in being a part of making the community whole again.”
“But she was the reason the war was won. She was the light. Why does she need to do more?”
“I believe, Mr. Malfoy, these are questions you’ll need to present to Miss Granger. And you have potions today, do you not?”
That conversation is what led him to leaving Blaise dumbfounded in the potions room. When Draco attempted to gather his things quickly and head out directly after Granger, Blaise stopped him and inquired to the slytherin prince’s rush. After enlightening his closest confidant to his agenda, he expected, if not assistance, at least encouragement. But what he was given was so much better. A challenge. Another incentive to reinforce his commitment to gain Hermione’s favor.

He found her in The Three Broomsticks speaking with Rosmerta about the new upstairs and while eavesdropping he heard her comfort the bar owner by saying “to just pay what she could, when she could. Not to worry about the rest.” He couldn’t help but to be moved by how far she was willing to go to make reparations for the great misfortunes she fought so hard to prevent. How much of the Ministry’s restitution for her efforts has she put into the restoration of Hogsmeade? And why, out of the golden trio, is she the only one? Didn’t the two idiots in that group imagine themselves to be great heroes? Didn’t they understand that bravery showed itself in times of disrepair, when the masses needed people to lean on and provide kindness and understanding until they were healed? And why did Draco know this but not the magnificent duo? Even if he was here out of less than honorable intentions, he was still here.
“Granger.” He said barely above a whisper. He didn’t want to admit it but he was intimidated by this prospect. His sophisticated idea of wooing the philanthropist suddenly seemed daunting. She was doing so much more than donating her time. He wondered if anyone else knew.
“Malfoy, look I’m really busy and I am sure that whatever you have to say is disarmingly charming and backhanded but I really don’t have time for this. So, whatever it is will have to wait until I get the new floor laid and the materials for Rosmerta’s upstairs. Ok.” She said with authority and a note of exhaustion in her voice. Her plight for reconstruction of the beloved village was almost ludicrous, the damage that had been inflicted was insurmountable but her dedication to make it intact once again was admirable.
“You think that I am disarmingly charming?” Hearing that melodic voice say he was charming was all he needed to move forward. Never mind the comment itself was a bit backhanded, albeit truthful. That bit of realization gave him the inspiration to earn this creature’s trust and friendship and hopefully her devotion. “Well, as distracting as I am to the opposite sex, I think you might appreciate my being here. I want to help.”
“Why? I mean, no, that is what I mean. Why do you want to help?”
“Besides this being my home as well. Mmmmm lets just say I hope to gain some altruistic value by putting a piece of myself back into the community.”
“I don’t want you here if this is about making yourself look better, or about polishing up the Malfoy name, or any other conniving underhanded scheme you have going on right now. These people don’t deserve it.”
“No, they deserve kindness and sympathy and for people to give them another chance now that their first one has been taken. I've lost people I care for also, I think I may understand more than most what some of the staples in the village need.” The rant came out before he had a chance to stop it. He was just so instantly affronted by her assumption that he didn’t understand loss. It also came as a surprise to himself that he did. He was the same as those he had been brought up to see as commoners, he was scarred and unsure of really what to do next and Hermione, as always, seemed to understand the need to do something. “I want to help rebuild, I will provide the funds and I will be here, I will help you. I know that we can make Hogsmeade whole again. I want to do this.”
“If you mean that, then I really do appreciate the offer of support." And although she didn't entirely trust his motives, she really could use some assistance. She was mentally, physically and financially exhausted. Using her war funds didn't bother her in the least. She had an inheritance from each of her grandparents and she had never been opposed to working to make a living. But to have a theoretical shoulder to lean on when she couldn't hold her wand any longer would be nice. Or when she just felt like she wasn't doing enough for the magical community. Also, she was deeply disappointed in Harry for not coming through. He was the boy who lived again and again because so many had protected him, herself included. She wasn't surprised that Ron wanted to keep his winnings and time to himself because as it turned out he was quite ridiculous and selfish. But she just really believed in Harry and was sad to learn of his stance on helping the community rise again.
To be honest at this moment, she was more grateful to Draco than she would say. Just him offering meant that she wouldn't be alone with this project she had been carrying alone. "Since it's Friday, I am usually here until about an hour after sundown. You obviously can leave whenever you like but...."
"No, I'll stay as long as you do. Then tomorrow after we get back from the orphanage we'll formulate a plan to keep us on track of how everything is coming along. Ok?"
How did he know she visited the orphanage? And he was going to accompany her there. On his own free will. She really wasn't sure how to feel about this new information. Him suggesting they come up with a plan of action was fantastic, she had just been too tired to complete one on her own. But, based on this new information she hadn't had a chance to process, she had become decidedly aware of the change in the way she saw Draco Malfoy.
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In the Pursuit