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No One But You	By : wanderingwizard Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 6143 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own the glories of Harry Potter or any of the associated characters. I do not make a profit from this story.

Chapter List
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This chapter is a bit longer, but I wanted to get all the dialogue in. Hope you enjoy and please leave comments. They are very much appreciated! My responses are at the bottom of the chapter. Thanks!
CHAPTER 3

Hermione’s heart was beating nearly out of her chest. Her mind stumbled to comprehend the situation presented to her as she stared at none other than Draco Malfoy. Hermione lost track of all her thoughts and felt herself tense. She instead focused on the minute details she could control. It seemed to be a fight or flight tactic that she inherited from living life alongside Harry Potter for so long.

Her chapped lips hung slightly agape. No, she didn’t want to seem dumbfounded, Hermione pressed them into each other firmly, holding her jaw taut. Her blank stare was unfocused. No, she wasn’t about to be labeled a dear in headlights, Hermione focused them hard on Malfoy, almost threateningly. Hermione had felt all her muscles tense at the sight of him, she fought hard to relax them but didn’t think she managed that great of a job. It didn’t help that rather than leaving, Malfoy joined the cabin upon Professor Slughorn’s invitation.

Suddenly the compartment’s roomy interior and tall red, pleated seats seemed too close for comfort. Hermione leaned deeper into her corner, as far from the newcomer as the room allowed.

Hermione couldn’t trust her voice to work properly with all the adrenaline surging. Given she had been clenching her teeth together during the men’s exchange, she opted for a nonverbal approach.

Draco’s sad, questioning grey eyes seemed harmless enough, but she knew better. Hermione was all for people’s abilities to grow and change, but there was a deep-seated animosity between them that she knew would never allow her to experience true sympathy for him.

Hermione hummed a straight, short tone, choosing to let Draco do with it what he would. She noticed him look at her apologetically before taking his seat at the far diagonal from her, allowing her the space that she desired.

Draco’s once cocky demeanor had shifted into a bleaker disposition. Hermione was glad to see that he had given up the pretentious walking stick that he had once paraded. But that wasn’t the only thing that was different. Once upon a time, Draco wouldn’t have been seen in public without his trademark elitist smirk. Hermione had always been annoyed at how Draco seemed to care so much more about looking decent than being decent.

Nowadays, although still clean cut, shaven, and dressed in what were obviously expensive clothes, Draco seemed to not hold himself upon the idea that he had inherent superior worth. He almost seemed humble in the way he held himself, accommodating rather than imposing. Hermione thought that this attitude made him even more handsome.

“Handsome? Stop being ridiculous. This is Draco Malfoy. He may be good looking, but he’s an awful person.”, Hermione thought to herself. “I understandably need to find someone new, but the second I start thinking of Draco Malfoy that way will be the end of me.”

Hermione tried to pretend that the situation was not abnormal as she attempted to return her attention to her own studies. She had plenty to work on during the train ride, she could probably go the whole way without making more eye contact, right? Then, the castle was so large, and the Transfiguration and Potions classroom were so far apart, they needn’t interact past this day. Yes, she could get through the ride, she was a professional.

“There you go, ole boy. Come on, I won’t bite. Tell me, how have you been? What have you been doing with your time?”, Professor Slughorn scooched closer to the window, allowing Draco extra room.

Draco was sitting gingerly, with half his derriere off the seat, ready to leave on a moment’s notice if Hermione decided that she didn’t want to entertain the idea of sitting alongside him for the journey. Draco held back his response until he was confident that Hermione was dedicated to reading her book rather than kicking him out.

“Uhm… not too much, Professor Slughorn. I’ve been spending most of my time studying potions and alchemy,” Draco answered.

“Come now, a handsome lad like you not going out on the town and breaking hearts with your time? What a waste! I know potions are interesting, but you’ve had some fun too I’m sure,” Professor Slughorn jovially chided.

“Well sir, though my family and I defected from the Dark Lord,” Malfoy looked briefly at Hermione to gauge if she remembered that, he was met with no response, “People are still often quick to judge. I moved out of Malfoy Manor to establish myself independently and away from the past, but if I’m being honest, I think this is the first time I’ve been invited to partake in anything since.”

“People will always be quick to judge, son. Unfortunately, you will have to prove yourself and your worthiness to them after such a debacle. But, you’re a Slytherin, and we are always up for the challenge, eh?” Slughorn lifted his eyebrows, proud of himself for what he was sure was a thought-provoking response.

Draco wanted to shift the conversation away from his past, “Thank you, Professor. I hope to do you and Slytherin proud in the future. How about you? Did you have a nice break from teaching?”

Slughorn laughed heartily, “Oh, you don’t know it yet, but once you start teaching you can never seem to stop. I traveled to India this break and experimented with some of their natural herbs this past summer! I had such a time and thought I could stay forever. Perhaps write a textbook! Wouldn’t that be something? Students having to read my works for years to come.” Horace let himself dreamily imagine the life. “Alas, a teacher’s work is never done. My vacation was so short. I’m hoping to take a few trips back there throughout the school year actually. That’s one of the reasons why I was eager to bring you on. You can attend my classes and take them over whenever I’m gone.”

Slughorn seemed to be telling rather than asking when it came to what schedule that Draco would be following. Draco shrugged, beggars really can’t be choosers, he thought. “Of course, Professor. I’m happy to help in whatever way works best for you.”

Professor Slughorn showed off his toothy grin as he commented, “See? It’s that attitude and down-to-earth nature that I read in your initial letter that really sold me. Don’t you think, Ms. Granger?” Professor Slughorn nudged Hermione with his boot, hoping to engage the girl who hadn’t said anything since he entered the compartment. “What’s wrong, child? Does the motion make you ill? You know, reading doesn’t help with that. Set the book down and talk with an old man!”

Draco sat alarmed and apologetic, he didn’t mean to shift the conversation into something that disturbed Hermione, who had graciously tolerated his presence.

Hermione lifted her head slowly as she tried to comprehend how anyone could think of Draco as having a good attitude or being down to earth. She kept her book open to the page she was reading, hoping that it would signal her contentedness at simply working for the rest of the ride.

“No, Professor Slughorn, I am not ill. I’m just working on some lesson plans for the Transfiguration classes.”

“Well, you’ll have plenty of time for that later! No need to waste the company, right?” Slughorn asked pushily.

Hermione sighed quietly, perhaps she could entertain him now for a little while and hope it was enough to last the trip. “You’re right, Professor. You look like India treated you well.”

Horace responded, “Oh, it really did, lovely country. A bit cramped, if I’m being honest, but nowhere is perfect.” Hermione nodded, hoping his lack of question could segway back into her work.

Alas, Hermione knew that was wishful thinking and Slughorn carried on, taking the brief pause as a suggestion to keep talking, “You look significantly thinner than when I saw you at my end of the year party with Harry and that boy, Ronald. Have you been eating, Ms. Granger?”

Draco discreetly took in the sight of Hermione at Slughorn’s comments. The woman in front of him wore a light purple sweater, the style of which was designed to conform but seemed to instead hang off this wearer. Hermione’s neck look long and pale and featured a hollow dip above her sternum. Her pants didn’t seem to fit correctly either, as Draco noticed a significant divot inward from the front of Hermione’s sweater, signaling a belt that sat much closer to Hermione’s body than the oversized dress pants made it seem.

She did look particularly thin, thinner than she had ever even been during their schooling. He wondered why, she didn’t seem the type to care too much about her appearance or avoid food to keep or attain a figure, like Draco always remembered his mother and the other Slytherin girls doing. Draco usually liked the willowy womanly aesthetic. Yet, it didn’t look right on the girl in front of him.

Malfoy felt a surge inside of him, as he crossed his legs to hide what he was afraid might grow apparent at his crotch. Draco had suppressed the romantic feelings for the beauty in front of him long ago, but it seemed like his body hadn’t forgotten her. Hermione’s razor cheek bones and jaw triggered something within Malfoy that told him she fit his usual bill.

“I guess, I didn’t notice,” Hermione lied, “I’ve been working hard at my efforts towards the fair treatment of elves. I guess I forget to eat sometimes.”

“Forget to eat? I’ve never had that problem! All the Hogwarts food fattens me up! Take advantage, I don’t want you to wither away, dear.” Slughorn tapped the belly underneath his heavy black coat to accentuate his point. “Say, have you heard the rumors about Ginerva signing with the Holyhead Harpies? How is the lass, doing?”

Hermione responded, “I’ll be sure to do that… And yes, Ginny just signed with the Harpies, she’s very excited. She’ll start training with them next month.”

Slughorn sat up straighter at the news, “Well, what an achievement! We should host her to celebrate, maybe get a few quaffles signed, huh? Doesn’t that sound fun! I really need to keep in touch with her. Don’t you know another famous player, Ms. Granger, Mr. Viktor Krum? I hate to jump into the gossip, but the Daily Prophet reminded me that you and him used to be friendly, in its feature of him last month. Have you spoken to him recently? I’m sure he’s busy seeking still for Bulgaria.”

Hermione was sure that Professor Slughorn never hated to jump into gossip but people tended to entertain his habit anyways. Hermione had actually written to Krum in a moment of weakness a month after her break up with Ron, inquiring about reconnecting. Hermione didn’t honestly see a future with Viktor either, but it was nice to be wanted. She felt a mix of joy and guilt at Krum’s quick response, letting her know that he would be excited to meet whenever it worked out for her. Hermione hadn’t responded, retreating back to the knowledge that it was too soon, and she wasn’t actually interested. She was just using him.

“I spoke to him. He seemed happy to still be playing Quidditch. I don’t think he’ll stop anytime soon.” Hermione really hadn’t spoken to him enough to know more than that, most of Viktor’s response was asking Hermione how she was doing, if she had intent to visit Bulgaria or if she would prefer they meet in England. “He might come to England.”

Slughorn perked up at that, “That’s delightful. You must invite him to the castle and introduce us. I’ll host an event for just that, I could invite other students who have gone on to play Quidditch too.” Hermione just smiled, doubtful that she would actually partake, “We’ll see.”

Draco was surprised to hear that Hermione had been in contact with the international Quidditch star. Draco had always pegged Ronald as a jealous, controlling type. One who would never let his girl near someone like Krum. Maybe Ron had grown up though. Everyone had growing to do after the war.

Slughorn paused, “And what of Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley? Do the aurors have much work these days?”

Hermione was afraid that the conversation would steer this way, but she didn’t think it would happen so soon. Yet, she should have known better. Professor Slughorn was always happy to talk about fame and success and Harry Potter.

Hermione hoped to keep the two lumped together and their presence in the conversation short, “They’ve been focusing their energy on rebuilding the ministry these days. I understand it’s hard work, I don’t see them too often. It’s been a couple months.” Hermione hoped her brevity would end this segment of their conversation.

“Always in the midst of it, that Potter. It’s a shame he hasn’t made more time for his friends, but tis the way when you’re young, I’m afraid. Everyone is always so busy.” Slughorn seemed contented by the answer and moved on to humming to himself as he looked out the window rather than pushing further, for now.

Draco felt strange at his situation. He had heard about Hermione, Harry, and Ron through newspapers who seemed to love covering updates of the trio. But hearing it first-hand felt almost wrong, like he was eavesdropping on a conversation not meant for him. Never had he had a casual conversation with Hermione about what the gang had been doing.

Draco looked at Hermione at the news of her spending little time with Ron and Harry. He was sure that the boys were busy in their own right, but, if he was being blunt, the two of them had their head up Hermione’s butt for years. He couldn’t imagine them leaving their star to her lonesome. And the Prophet couldn’t either, in fact, the trio was rumored to be in Diagon Alley just last week. Draco wondered if the paper or the girl was lying. Hermione looked blankly back at his expression.

Draco looked down awkwardly in response, for what seemed like forever. A light ring from the doorway made his head shoot up thankfully. “Anything off the trolley, dears?”

Slughorn turned towards the witch before settling down looking back out the window, “Hmm.. I’d better not, lovely. I ate before getting aboard, maybe on the second run. I think I actually fancy a nap.” Slughorn yawned and transfigured a cloth from his coat pocket into a little pillow that he could lean his head on.

Hermione looked curiously at the cart before rising to examine it closer. Draco examined her. Her once bushy hair seemed to somewhat tame itself. It was still voluminous, but the waves seemed to behave cohesively these days. Hermione’s collarbone seemed to jut out from her sweater, which had ridden down a touch from standing. Draco looked away before he was caught staring.

Hermione picked up a chocolate frog and a licorice wand. Hermione reached into her pant pocket as Draco stood.

“I’ll get something,” Draco exclaimed, a little too loudly.

Both the trolley witch and Hermione looked at him as if he had sprouted a new set of ears. “Sure, son. Whatever you’d like,” the trolley witch waved her hand over the selection of beans, frogs, fizzies, and juices.

Draco corrected himself, embarrassed, “No, sorry, I mean – yes I can get something. But I meant to say I’ll get it. Please don’t take her money.”

Draco had no idea what compelled him to make the gesture and was unsurprised when Hermione looked at him confused before telling both him and the other witch, “No, thanks.” Hermione continued to look befuddled at the blonde man as she paid for herself and sat back down.

Draco thought to himself that their first interaction since the war could have gone better, but there were also a lot of ways it could have gone much worse. He would be content with what he got. Draco looked over and picked up something random from the cart before handing the trolley witch what he was sure was too much money. “Please let the extra pay for the people in the next carriage, ma’am.” The witch simply nodded and left. Draco looked down at a box of “Sherbet Lemons”, he dropped them into his own coat pocket.

Hermione didn’t know what to make of the interaction. Draco was obviously acting strangely, but not in a way that seemed aggressive or elitist. Hermione returned to her work, deciding to think nothing more of it. She didn’t need to focus her time on him.

Draco sat quietly for a time before pulling out his own Potions textbooks. It was time to become a professor, he reminded himself as he read and listened to the light tone of a snoring Slughorn beside him.

Hermione awoke suddenly as the train stopped. Oh my goodness, how long had she slept? The last thing she remembered was reading her Transfiguration book, after having sat in silence with Draco and an asleep Slughorn for nearly two hours. Hermione felt embarrassed at the idea of being comfortable enough to fall asleep anywhere near Draco. She was half tempted to double check herself and her stuff to make sure he didn’t do anything to either of them. But, Hermione decided against it, trusting that Draco was smart enough to not cause trouble when he claimed to be trying to redeem himself.

Slughorn waved at Hermione, “Good morning, sunshine,” he joked, “I’m glad you got some sleep in, but it’s time to get up.”

Hermione stretched her arms as she rose, hearing the chit chat of all the students starting to unload from the train. Hermione reached underneath her and opened her pack to replace the materials she had removed earlier, disappointed that she didn’t get more work done. Hermione started to drag her suitcase out of the compartment with her.

She was stopped by a hand on her arm by Professor Slughorn, “No need my dear, we will enter a different way than the students.” Hermione looked at him curiously, surely they needed to at least get off the train first though.

Three loud pops in front of Hermione woke her up completely. She reached for her wand before recognizing that the pops originated from 3 house elves. One in front of each of the wizards in the compartment.

“Good evening, Ms. Granger. My name is Ruby and Ruby has the honor to be chosen as your personal elf for this year.” Ruby’s gangly limbs stood up straight with pride as she introduced herself.

“Hello, Ruby. You can call me Hermione. While I appreciate the offer, I don’t want you to have to dote on me. I don’t need to be waited on,” Hermione spoke comfortingly.

Ruby looked at Hermione confused and concerned, “Ms. Hermione. It is Ruby’s job and joy to help. Please do not send Ruby away.”

Hermione began to explain as she heard two pops next to her and noticed that the two other wizards and the elves that had been sent to them had gone. She assumed they cooperated faster than herself.

“Really, Ms. Ruby. I don’t mean to send you away, just that you can spend your time doing other things. You’re not responsible for me,” Hermione pulled her luggage behind her as Ruby reached towards it.

“Ms. Hermione, Ruby's name is just Ruby, not Ms. Ruby. Please let Ruby do her job,” Ruby smiled at Hermione but felt increasingly concerned that she was already later than the other two elves. “It is an honor to be chosen to assist the wizard professors, we need to get you to your room.”

Hermione reluctantly agreed, as she noticed the elf’s exasperation, “Ok, but we’ll have to talk about your compensation later on.” Ruby nodded, not quite understanding, but thankful for the witch’s compliance.

Ruby placed one hand on Hermione and one hand on the luggage and disapparated with the two.

The next thing she knew, Hermione was in a new, large room that reminded her of the Gryffindor dorms but much grander, featuring a large bed with an oak post and a sheer canopy. Across was a bookshelf stacked with books about Transfiguration and Hogwarts. To her right there was a reading nook up against a vast window that overlooked the lake. An armoire loomed in the corner next to a levitating mirror, large enough to hold all of Hermione’s clothes with eighty percent of it left empty.

Hermione was awed at the architecture and beauty, wondering where in the castle this was located. Ruby interrupted her thoughts, “Welcome to your home, Ms. Hermione. Ruby made this room for you.”

Hermione started, “You created this, Ruby? All on your own? No one bothered to help you?” Hermione felt guilt at the idea of her beautiful new home being a result of slave labor.

Ruby looked a bit hurt at the idea that she would need help, “Ruby is very capable, you know. Ruby didn’t need very much help. The elves and Professor McGonagall worked all summer building and readying the new assistant professor wing of the castle. You and Mr. Malfoy are its first inhabitants.”

Hermione was quick to apologize, “Ruby, I don’t think you’re incapable…I just meant that,” Hermione stopped, “Did you say that Mr. Malfoy is also staying in this part of the castle?”

Ruby nodded, “Yes, ma’am. He is across the hallway. One day, all of the assistant professors will reside here. You have a common area outside of the bedrooms, as well! Ruby will show you.” Ruby grabbed Hermione’s hand excitedly.

Hermione, on the other hand, harbored different emotions at the news she would be sharing a remote section of the castle with her childhood tormentor, Draco Malfoy.

To goddess-of_dragons: Thank you for your kind words! Loving your story too, can't wait to see what happens in it! I've always adored the Dramione arch!
To HarryGinny4eva: I try to keep in mind character motivations, I want to keep the magic of Hogwarts, spells, and houses alive in my story, in addition to the romance of it all. I think there's an endearing quality to a character that can admit wrong doing (Draco), but I have to be careful not to fill him with too much self pity. Not Cute, lol! I imagine Hermione as fairly level headed, at least on the outside haha - so I wanted to make sure I didn't write her otherwise. Thank you for the comment - keep em coming, I love it!
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No One But You