Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Closer	By : Nocturne Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 29797 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: All characters belong to JK Rowling. I do not own the Harry Potter fandom, nor do I make any money from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 1-Closer
- 2-2
- 3-3
- 4-4
- 5-5
- 6-6
- 7-7
- 8-8
- 9-9
- 10-10
- 11-11
- 12-12
- 13-13
- 14-14
- 15-15
- 16-16
- 17-17
- 18-18
- 19-19
- 20-20
- 21-21
- 22-22
- 23-23
- 24-24
- 25-25
- 26-26
- 20
- 21
- 22
“Why didn’t you tell me his wife was captured as well?” asked Astoria, eyeing Sasuke suspiciously.

He shrugged, turning the page to his Japanese wizarding newspaper. “I gave you the information you desired. Did I not?”

“You did,” she agreed. “But I looked like a complete and utter fool when I tried to help him escape last night. I hired you as my informant for a reason, Sasuke.”

“Like I said, I gave you the information you desired,” he repeated. “Besides, Hermione Granger is going nowhere.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s blackmailing her.”

Astoria frowned. “So? He’s blackmailing everyone in one way or another.”

“I wouldn’t take it lightly, if I were you. He already had one of her friends killed to prove his seriousness in the matter. It wouldn’t surprise me if Draco was next.”

“You’re kidding…”

Sasuke shook his head, setting down the newspaper. “Have you met with him yet?”

“The Dark Lord? Yes. I met with him when I arrived.”

“And?”

“He didn’t suspect a thing. My family isn’t as high-profile as Draco’s…I’m sure he isn’t keeping close tabs on me or my sister.”

“Don’t get too comfortable. He has a knack for sniffing out traitors.”

“Oh? And what of you? Does he suspect you?”

There was a slight pause before Sasuke spoke. “He knows I’ve been helping Miss Granger.”

“Is that all?”

“I’m sure I’d be dead if it weren’t.”

Astoria nodded. “Does Granger know you’re part of the uprising?”

“No. I can’t risk exposing us.”

“What? But she can help us. Why wouldn’t you tell her?”

Sasuke flashed her a knowing look. “If she and Draco had any idea what they were up against, they wouldn’t be captured. So, like I said, I can’t risk exposure.”

She hated it when he shut her down like that. He wasn’t that much older than her, but it felt as though he had enough life experience and wisdom for someone twice his age. It made their little debates impossible to win. “So, you mentioned he’s blackmailing her…with what?”

“She’s a smart girl,” he said simply. “She was first in her year at Hogwarts School and had an internship with the Department of Mysteries – which she turned down after Harry Potter’s death – but the Dark Lord knows this and wishes to use her intelligence to his advantage.”

“He wants to recruit her? Harry Potter’s best friend? Merlin…”

Sasuke gave her a look that said he was in complete agreement. “Brilliant move on his part. I’m sure she’s smarter than any of the goons he has in his inner circle.”

“Did she accept the offer?”

“She doesn’t have much of a choice.”

“Does Draco know?”

“Probably not. He’s been cooped up in that cell all week. I’m sure he has no idea what she’s been up to, especially since the only person he’s had contact with didn’t know his wife was captured in the first place.”

Astoria glared. “Thanks to you.”

“If I thought you were interested in Hermione Granger’s whereabouts, I would have told you.”

“Why do you keep saying things like that?” she asked. “What do you think I have against her? I don’t even know her. The closest I’ve ever gotten to her was the odd pass-by at Hogwarts. I bet she doesn’t even know I exist.”

“She’s Draco’s wife,” he said matter-of-factly. “And you two used to be an item.”

“Hardly. We went on one date two years ago.”

“And yet you’re risking your life for him.”

Astoria rolled her eyes. “I told you. His mother practically begged me to help.”

“The same way your sister begged you to come to her aid last year in Brazil?

“First of all, Daphne and I are only siblings by blood. Second of all, how do you know about that?”

“I do my research.”

“You’re quite creepy sometimes, you know that?”

Sasuke cracked something of a grin. “I should head back to the fortress,” he said, stretching upright. “I promised I’d be in attendance for breakfast.”

“All right. You know where to find me.”

He gave her a nod farewell. “Stay safe, Miss Greengrass. I’ll see you tonight.”

Astoria waited until the sound of his footsteps disappeared in the ambiance of early morning before glancing down at her feet. Part of what he said had been right. She did feel some envy towards Hermione Granger, but it wasn’t anything she wished to act upon. She wasn’t that kind of Slytherin. She wasn’t her sister.

And, yet, as she sheepishly made her way back to the bunk bed, a distant memory flooded her mind as though it had taken place a mere twenty-four hours ago.

She found his cool, grey eyes across the room and felt a surge of electricity travel through every inch of her body as he shot her a wink. It made her feel special, dangerous and giddy to think Draco Malfoy might fancy her. He was very discreet with it, but the secret glances he gave her during Pureblood functions spoke volumes.

She felt proud knowing he didn’t just rush to hook up with her like her did every other girl. That way he’s not toying with me. That way he respects me, she told herself. That way I’m still in control of my feelings. But what did she feel for him, really? Yes, he was handsome, wealthy and shrewd in every sense of the word…but the same was true for most Pureblood men. What made Draco Malfoy different?

Just then he made his way to her end of the room, circulating through the guests at his parents’ Ministry Ball and finding her spot by the balcony. His eyes hadn’t left her.

“You came,” he smiled, sipping on his wine. “How do you like the new place?”

Astoria swallowed, desperately trying to keep her composure. “It’s nice – bigger than I imagined. Your mother has done a brilliant job with all the decorating.”

“I’ll make sure to tell her that. She’ll be pleased.” Draco set down his glass on the railing. “So, Daphne tells me you’ve just finished your seventh year. How are you finding the adult life? Do you miss Hogwarts?”

She nodded, but only briefly. “Parts of it – like dining in the Great Hall and playing Quidditch.”

“Ah, yes. I forgot you made the Slytherin team. Seeker?”

She nodded again. “I beat your record,” winked the girl, sticking her tongue out a little.

Draco grinned. “I wasn’t very good at the sport, anyway. I just wanted to slap Potter around the Pitch a little bit.”

Potter. Harry Potter. It had been quite some time since Astoria had thought of the Chosen One. She remembered him a little from their time together at Hogwarts, but not much. He had been two years ahead of her in school, in her sister’s year, but she always thought of him as a nice person. He helped her find the library in her first year, despite the rivalry between their houses.

“How did that pan out?”

“He kicked my arse in every match. You tell me.”

Astoria laughed. “You weren’t so bad.”

The fair-haired wizard shrugged. “Coming from you that’s quite a compliment. I heard the Holyhead Harpies are scouting you.”

“Yes…” she said, feeling a knot in her stomach. “But I turned them down.”

Draco’s eyes went wide for a moment. “You turned them down? Why?”

“You know, previous engagements…” Astoria muttered, hoping he would understand where she was coming from. “I just can’t fit professional Quidditch into my new schedule.”

“Shame,” he said, as though he honestly felt bad for her, which he probably did considering they were in the same boat. “I’m sure they’ll have you when everything clears up.”

“I doubt it.”

“Well, they’ll be fools not to. I’ve seen you play. You’re so fast it looks like the Snitch is chasing you sometimes.”

This made her smile. “When did you learn to be so nice?”

“I have my moments,” he said cheekily. “So, how about a dance?”

“Right now?”

He stared her blankly for a moment before nodding his head towards the ballroom. “I don’t think there would be a better time than in the middle of a ball – you know, music, dance floor and all.”

She blushed, feeling a little stupid. “All right. Let’s go for it.”

Draco held out his hand, waiting until she held it before leading them to the dance floor. A few groups followed them with prying eyes, but it was nothing out of the ordinary. They probably think I’m his latest conquest, she thought. And even though she wasn’t, the idea of it didn’t feel half as bad as she imagined. In fact, she found herself wanting it a little.

He held her in perfect waltz position, whisking her as though he danced professionally. She suspected this was his mother’s doing. It wouldn’t have surprised her if she found out Narcissa made her only son take dance classes. The thought of it made her giggle – out loud.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, looking at her with adoration.

Astoria had to glance away. It was too much to handle in such close proximity with all of Pureblood England staring at them. “Nothing,” she said quietly, voice barely audible against the music.

“By the way, I don’t if I mentioned it, but you look nice tonight.”

She blushed again, deeper this time. “Thank you. I…I wasn’t planning on coming,” admitted the girl. “But my mother already bought me these dress robes. It seemed a waste not to wear them.”

“They look great on you, and who would have known tom-boy Astoria would allow her mother to buy her dress robes?” he joked.

Astoria cracked a grin, having thought this herself. She wasn’t a girly girl like Daphne. She fancied boyish attire, hands down, but it felt nice to girl it up once in awhile.

“Either way, I think you’re quite beautiful,” he added. “Especially on the Pitch.”

She stared at him skeptically.

“It’s true,” Draco said, reading her expression. “There’s nothing sexier than a girl who knows how to handle a broom over a hundred feet in the air.”

For some reason she got the impression that he wasn’t joking. “I hope you know none of that will work on me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb,” she said knowingly, feeling slightly confident. “I’m not one of those girls that will fold after a few compliments.”

“I didn’t think you were. That’s why I gave them.”

Astoria arched an eyebrow. “You’re quite odd, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told.”

“Daphne would kill you if she knew half the things you said to me.”

He gave her an amused look. “Since when do you care what Daphne thinks?”

“Good point,” she agreed.

“Anyway, I apologize if I caused you any discomfort. Sometimes I misjudge certain situations.”

“Hmm?”

“I was under the impression that you might have fancied me back,” he said casually. “But it’s fine. You’re a brilliant witch. I’m sure we’ll be good friends in no time.”

Astoria had no choice but to back track. I was under the impression that you fancied me back, she repeated to herself. “Fancy you back? But that would mean…”

“That I fancy you,” he finished, still casual. “Of course I do. To be honest, it’s hard not to.”

She didn’t know what to make of it. Was he lying? She hoped not. “I…I…”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he said nicely.

“I thought you knew.”

“Knew what?”

Merlin, he’s dumb, she thought. It was written all over her face and laced in everything she said. She would be an idiot not to fancy him. He was so indescribably hot and smart and hot and charming and hot and witty and hot.

“Knew what?” he repeated.

This was it. This was the moment of reckoning. All those long hours she spent daydreaming of Draco Malfoy…it all boiled down to that very moment. All she had to do was utter the words...

He stared at her quizzically, opening his mouth to speak before she beat him to it.

“Nothing,” she finally blurted, feeling defeated.

His face fell in a way that told her hadn’t been lying, not even a little. Her heart broke for Draco.

thanks for reading! please rate and review :)

xo.
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