Questions of Science

Disclaimer: Nope

A/N: WOOT WOOT! You guys are awesome and Draco numminess shall come your way!! I love you all so very much and I appreciate the time you take to tell me what you think of the fic! Let’s see if we can beat our record in this chapter. ;) The more reviews, the more we get things like Draco’s naked torso and Draco’s sweet smile and Draco’s soft lips…ok im rambling :)


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Chapter 7: Meet You on the Other Side

Draco pulled back from whispering in the Healer’s ear with a half smile on his face. Hermione tried to hide her shock, but was failing miserably. His lips were just as soft as she had imagined and Hermione had never thought that she would figure that out first-hand.

‘How can anyone’s lips feel so nice? They’re just skin. He must work his lips out with some lip aerobics that I’m not familiar with and moisturize them several times a day.’ She thought.

She swallowed the mass of nervousness in her throat and looked him in the eye. He had just told her that he got his wish. “And what exactly did you wish for?”

“I wished for a friend.” He said simply. He also said it in the same Draco Malfoy tone that could never be considered sappy. Almost deliberate with a hint of arrogance.

“A friend? Am I to assume that that friend is me? Hermione Granger, mudblood extraordinaire?” Hermione asked.

Draco looked at her with a look of disappointment. “Do you think so little of me that you assume I can’t make friends with people who are muggleborn? Have I even said that blasted word at any point while you were here?”

Hermione felt the heat rise to her face. She didn’t know why she had said that, possibly still in shock from feeling those supple lips against her cheek, or from the shock at what he had wished for.

“I’m sorry, that was vulgar of me. I guess I just never thought that we could ever be friends.” She said uneasily, avoiding his accusing stare.

“Why is that?”

“Well, we did hate each other for the longest time and as we have proven countless times, we are just so different.”

“I’m not going to lie to you, Granger. I never used to speak to my so-called friends as equals. I was raised to be above them and to be above all. My last year at Hogwarts and the years after, which included the war, humbled me to a point that I would never have thought possible. I offer a friendship to you. If you would prefer to keep this a professional business relationship, then that’s fine. I won’t hold it against you. It’s your choice.” He said assertively.

At that point, Hermione was a bit in awe. Draco never seemed to sound desperate or pathetic in any way he spoke. He exuded superiority and confidence that Hermione never understood. Here he was, extending the olive branch of peace and friendship; extending it out to her. Hermione, being a fan of olives, was of course going to accept.

“I consider you a friend, then.” She said composedly. “I won’t let it stand in the way of me treating your mother, though. I know we have our differences and should we ever have ‘friendly fires’ I assure you that I will treat her as I have been treating her all along.”

“Splendid.” He said. And with that, he turned and strode into his room, leaving Hermione in the hallway to analyze what had just happened.

Hermione stood there for a second, looking at the closed door and thinking about his words. Ok, so she was thinking about his damn lips, but she was thinking about his words as well.

‘He just wants to be friends. That is probably the nicest thi---.’ Her thoughts were cut off as his doors opened again.

“Do me a favor Granger, and don’t analyze this to death. You were nice to me, you were nice to my mum, I decided a friendship would be something pleasant to have in this monotonous existence that I call my life, and I kissed your cheek. End of story. No scrutinizing, thinking or examining needs to be done.” He said with a sincere look. “Oh and goodnight.”

The doors closed again and for once, Hermione was not going to let him have the last word.

She walked up to the doors and knocked.

“One second.” He yelled from inside.

He opened the doors and stood in his nighttime apparel. That same navy robe he had worn on Hermione’s first night. Still no shirt and navy cotton pyjama pants.

“Are we going to start this friendship with a slumber party?” he asked with a hint of a smile on his face.

“You can’t just tell me not to analyze things, Malfoy. Who do you think you are?” she asked, trying to focus on anything except how low his pants hung on his well-defined hips and abdomen.

She did sneak a peek though and her mind went into overdrive. He certainly was not the skinny boy she knew from Hogwarts. He must have been introduced to carbohydrates somewhere along the way, because now he had a firm build, with broad shoulders, a wide chest and a surprisingly fit abdominal area.

She decided to look him in the eye and avoid looking anywhere below his nose because those damned lips of his also had a way of throwing her off-guard.

“I just saved you a lot of trouble and thinking. You would have gone through about a million thoughts by the time you reached your wing and you still would not have been able to deduce the reason why I did those things.”

“Fine, I won’t analyze it. But tell me why you kissed my cheek.” She said adamantly.

Her brown eyes stared at him and he thought she looked very pretty when she displayed a demanding quality. Her lips still looked like she was pouting, which only made it seem like she was upset that she wasn’t going to be able to analyze his words and actions.

“I kissed your cheek because I felt like it.” He said plainly.

“Because you felt like it? That’s a horrible response. Now the real reason, please.”

“I can see why that would be an unacceptable response for you Granger. You don’t act on your feelings. If I feel like doing something, I just do it. You, on the other hand, have to find the pros and cons of an action before even attempting to pursue it.” He said with a form of finality.

She eyed him suspiciously. How did he always manage to figure out how her mind worked?

She sighed, bade him goodnight, and walked away to her own wing, but not before taking a peek at the trail of dark blond hairs starting at his navel and disappearing below the elastic of those cotton pants.

‘Even his damn treasure trail is perfect.’ Hermione thought to herself, smiling at the phrase. ‘I’m sure to find a treasure at the end of that trail… wait, since when am I such a corny pervert? Isabelle is so right. I really should find a boyfriend, and fast. Being around only one male for so long will have a negative effect…

‘Since Malfoy wants to be friends, does that mean that we can’t have something more…ok now I’m just thinking crazy. I really do need a boyfriend. But why is it so wrong for us to be more than friends? Oh I know why, because I’m the only female in this house besides his mother. He would never find me attractive or would want to start something if I had met him on the street or set up on a blind date.

‘If he knew how much I was analyzing right now, he would probably laugh and smirk knowingly all smug-like. But I really like the way he laughs and smiles and licks his lips before he says some---’

Hermione gasped as she reached the double doors to her wing. She gasped at the sudden epiphany she had stumbled upon out of nowhere: she, Hermione Granger, fancied Draco Malfoy.

She quickly walked into the room and locked the double doors as if she wanted to leave the epiphany out in the hallway and away from her mind. Of course, the epiphany could infiltrate wood and locks and found its way into her mind, teasing her with the new concept.

‘It’s only been three days and I think I fancy him. What am I, some sort of twelve-year-old who has just discovered the appeals of the opposite sex? I have to get my mind off of this. First of all, he definitely does not reciprocate the feelings. Second of all, never mix business with pleasure. Third, hmmm, ok I don’t have a third reason but I do know that this is disadvantageous and I have to get over it, fast.

‘Oh! I know. I’ll ask Belle to set me up with Darien from geriatrics. He obviously likes me, and he’s good-looking. It will be the perfect distraction from these feelings which are of course resulting from the lack of fresh faces and outside communication.’ Hermione was proud of herself for finding the scientific solution and reason for her problem. Science could solve anything for her.

She sighed happily, changed into her pyjamas and eventually fell asleep.

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Draco closed his double doors as Hermione turned and left to go to her own wing. He smiled to himself at the fact that he caught her trying not to look at his body. His smile quickly disappeared as he thought of the implications. He had just offered friendship to her, so it was no time to start thinking about what her body might look like.

‘Am I really thinking about what her body looks like underneath those clothes? Oh mercy, it’s been too fucking long since I’ve gotten laid.’ He thought to himself as he brushed his teeth. ‘But then again…no. I can’t start thinking like this. I just haven’t been around a bird in so long. No, but that’s not fair to Granger, because she is very pretty and smart and fun.

‘I can’t think like this. She is my mother’s Healer and now she’s just a friend. Besides, would she really be interested in me? Let’s face it, I’m pretty fucked up in the mental region, what with the fact that I’m a former Death Eater and that I’ve seen things that would make Potter’s hair lie flat for once. Let’s not forget the three years of solitude with my mentally unstable mother and a bunch of house-elves, two of which are named after body excretions.’

Draco sighed as he toweled off his face and left the wash room. He collapsed on his bed, not bothering to pull the covers back. He put his hands behind his head and let his thoughts take charge.

‘If only I wasn’t a wanted wizard, I would be able to ease this stupid sexual frustration with someone besides Mr. Hand and his five assistants. I wonder if I could hire a prostitute and then obliviate her…or better yet, I could get a muggle prostitute, and she wouldn’t know who I am. Ah, I’ve done it again. I’m a genius.’

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The next few days passed by pretty quickly. Hermione didn’t try any cognitive treatments on Narcissa. She wanted her to have a clear mind before she tried the next step, which would make the previous questioning seem like a walk in the park.

Hermione and Draco treated each other warmly; talking over the meals Narcissa insisted that Hermione be part of. Hermione found herself eating with the two of them at lunch and dinner every day.

Nothing gave away what they were feeling and trying to deny. The both of them were absolutely fantastic at ignoring the feelings that would bubble up every time Draco smiled as he bit his lower lip or when Hermione would be deep in thought and her pink lips would sit in a perfect pout.

The day came for Hermione’s first day off. They had managed for Hermione to have Saturday and Sunday off, just like normal weekends. On Friday night, after a rather entertaining dinner, Draco opened the Floo network for Hermione to take back to her flat. The rent for Hermione’s flat was being paid for by Draco as she treated his mother.

She stumbled out of the fireplace and into her cramped living room. She dusted her cloak from the ash and walked over to the couch which she promptly sunk onto. Physical and mental exhaustion had reared its ugly head. She realized with a half-smile that she already missed the massive manor.

As much as she tried, Hermione just couldn’t stop admiring Draco. As friends, he was so much more comfortable around her and he constantly made her laugh with his dry sarcasm and witty comments.

In the back of her mind though, something would tell her to push away those feelings. She had owled Isabelle and told her to set her up with Darien for a Saturday night date. Hermione needed to stop this inevitable fancy that would only lead to trouble. She knew Draco didn’t like her in that way, and that was the reason she needed to get her mind off of him.

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Hermione awoke on Saturday morning to a loud banging on her door. Hermione groggily got up from her comfortable bed and opened the front door. Isabelle and Harry were standing there looking quite refreshed and energized for the day. Hermione was still in half-sleep mode, so the chirpy guests surprised her.

“Hey guys.” Hermione said with a stifled yawn.

Isabelle walked in and grasped Hermione tight. “Goodness I missed you Herms.”

“You saw her a few days ago, Izzie.” Harry said. “Now stop smothering her.”

Isabelle rolled her eyes and pulled away from Hermione. “We’ll wait for you to get ready and then we can all go.”

“Where are we going?” Hermione asked as she walked back to her room.

“Harry is inviting us out for brunch. We want to hear all about your work.” Isabelle shouted from the living room.

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“So is Malfoy giving you a hard time?” Harry asked as they sat at the small café in Hogsmeade.

“Not at all actually.” Hermione said and took a sip of her water. “He is really very nice and friendly towards me.”

“Well you are treating his mum.” Harry said obviously.

“No I don’t think that’s the only reason. He’s very lonely and has no one to talk to besides his mum. I really do enjoy talking to him.” Hermione said.

Harry stared at Hermione as if she had gone mad. Isabelle was smiling. “He really is a great guy, Harry. Very polite and quite funny.”

Harry turned his attention to his girlfriend. “You’re joking right? This is Draco Malfoy we’re talking about.”

“Yes and he’s been through a lot that has changed him, Harry. I work with him daily and I see those changes up close. I really wish you wouldn’t judge him like that. After all, he did lead us to Voldemort and helped bring down the legions of Death Eaters.”

Harry just grumbled under his breath. Isabelle and Hermione ignored him and went on to the next topic.

“So I talked to Darien for you, Herms. He’s really excited about your date tonight, although…” Isabelle trailed off and looked uneasy.

“Although what?” Hermione asked as she took a bite.

Isabelle took a deep breath. “I don’t think you should lead him on.”

“Huh?” Hermione blurted. Harry was watching the conversation with complete interest.

“I love you Herms, you know that, and I think Darien is a great guy, but there really is no point in going out with him when you harbor feelings for someone else. Especially when that someone else likes you back.” Isabelle said boldly.

Hermione stared at her friend for the longest time. Absorbing what Isabelle had just said.

Harry looked confused. “Who is this someone else?”

Hermione quirked her eyebrow at Isabelle. “Yeah, Belle, who is this someone else? Because I certainly have no idea of whom you are speaking.”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about Herms. Please don’t be upset. I really am only looking out for you. I think you shouldn’t fight with yourself and just go with the flow. Let your emotions lead you and I’m positive that you’ll get the most wonderful experience out of it all.”

Hermione sighed. “Belle, I know you’re thinking that you just want to help, but I have everything under control. I would really like to give Darien a chance and see if I hit it off with him. That someone else is not something I wish to pursue.”

Harry stared at the two girls in bewilderment. “How on earth do you two understand each other? I didn’t catch one bloody thing in that conversation.”

“Girl thing.” Isabelle said with a shrug of her shoulders. She gave Hermione a look to say that this unintelligible conversation was not over.

They finished their brunch, speaking of Ron and Ellie’s upcoming wedding.

“They have almost everything planned. El’s dress is absolutely beautiful, the flowers have been chosen, and they picked a venue. I really can’t wait.” Isabelle said with her face bright.

“I still can’t believe Ron is getting married in one week.” Harry said. “Are you going to be able to come, Mione?”

“Of course. How could I miss it?”

“Hey, you can invite the Darien guy, since you can bring a guest.” Harry said suddenly.

“Er, well we’ll see how this date goes.” Hermione said with a smile.

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Harry had left the two women at Hermione’s flat to go practice Quidditch with a few mates from work.

Hermione was looking through her wardrobe. Half of her clothes were at the Manor and half were still at her flat, so she had plenty of things to choose from.

Isabelle was watching Hermione from the bed, biting her lip.

“So you’re still going through with this date?” Isabelle asked.

“Yes, why shouldn’t I?” Hermione asked as she pulled out a bright red flowing skirt.

“Come on Herms, you know me better than that. I know what’s going on and I already mentioned it at brunch.” Isabelle said as she pulled a stray string from the duvet.

“You’re going to have to be more specific, Belle.” Hermione said as she knelt down to look for shoes that weren’t trainers.

Isabelle rolled her eyes and tried the blunt approach. “You and Malfoy.”

“What about us?” Hermione asked, expertly hiding the panic and obviousness in her manner and voice. Being a neuropsychiatrist helped her hide her emotions rather well.

“You fancy each other.” Isabelle said simply as the string snapped on the duvet. “And don’t try and deny it, because I could practically smell the sexual tension at the manor.”

“How did it smell like?” Hermione asked jokingly.

Isabelle ignored her and waited for a real response.

“Well you’re wrong, Belle. We don’t fancy each other.” Hermione said and pulled out a black blouse to go with the red skirt.

“I’m hurt, Hermione.” Isabelle said sadly.

Hermione looked at her dearest friend.

“Why?”

“You never used to lie to me and you used to tell me everything. Now, I have to practically force the truth out of you, and then you still lie to me.”

Hermione strode over to the bed and sat next to Isabelle. “I’m sorry, Belle. I just, I just…ugh. I don’t know.”

“Just tell me what’s going on. You know I only want to help you and if that means helping you sort out what you’re feeling, then I’m happy to do it.”

Hermione sighed and smiled at her. “You’re right. I was just, I don’t know, trying to deny or repress what I was thinking, what I was feeling. I’ve been there a week and I’ve never thought about anyone like this. We talk a lot, I ask him questions and he asks me. Mostly neutral things, like childhoods, favorite books, differences between muggle and magic lifestyles.”

Isabelle listened carefully as Hermione rambled.

“He is so polite and intuitive, Belle. I mean, if I had never met him before, I would think that this is someone who had never said a hurtful thing in their lives. We’ve had a few conversations with his mum. He loves her so much and you can tell by the way he treats her and interacts with her. And sometimes when I look at him, he seems so distant and I just want to reach out and know what’s going on in his mind.”

“Herms?” Isabelle said when Hermione paused.

“Yeah?”

“You’re falling for him babe, and you’re falling pretty fast.” Isabelle said and put her arm around Hermione’s shoulder.

Hermione blinked quickly. “I c-can’t be. It’s just a silly crush and it’s only because I spend so much time talking to him and getting to know his history and his mum’s history. I know I’ll get over it. That’s why I need to go out with Darien. I need to get my mind off of Malfoy.”

“I don’t understand why you’re trying so hard to ignore this. What if it’s not a silly crush? I really think you have more feelings for him than you think.”

“Belle, think about it. He doesn’t think of me in that way. Yes, he’s very sweet and kind to me and sometimes I think he might feel differently, but then that’s just me being impractical and hopeful. I realized and I accepted that to him, I’m just his mother’s Healer and just a friend. He made it clear that I was a friend.”

Isabelle thought for a moment. “You didn’t see the way he looked at you on his birthday. Those weren’t ‘friend’ looks. They were, ‘I wonder how her skin tastes’ looks.”

“Belle!” Hermione said with a scandalized smiled.

“Seriously Herms. He likes you. And the way he would listen intently whenever you’d speak. If only guys knew how arousing it is for them to just listen to us talk. Harry could learn a thing or two. I swear I have to be half-naked to get his undivided attention and I have to compete with Quidditch and so many other things. He has the attention span of a damn peanut.”

Hermione laughed at Isabelle’s rant. “Malfoy is just polite so he listens to people when they speak.”

“Just stop trying to find excuses. You two could have something. Is there anything that could give you a clue as to him fancying you?”

Hermione hesitated. “Well, he did kiss my cheek once and he said he did it because he felt like it. But that was only because he had liked my birthday present and said he wanted to be friends with me.”

“Wow, if he was dancing in front of you with a sign that said ‘I Fancy Hermione Granger,’ you’d still try and deny it. Look, what’s stopping you from pursuing something with him?”

“Oh Belle, I can’t. I’m his mother’s Healer and it really should stay as a professional, amiable relationship. Plus, like I told you before, he has to have an interest in me before we can pursue anything. I’ve been around him longer than you have Belle, and I think I would know if he liked me.”

Isabelle rolled her eyes again. “Fine, do whatever you want. But, you know what I think about this and you’re wasting a great opportunity by ignoring those feelings. You know what, go out with Darien and if you feel anything for him at all, then I will never mention Malfoy again.”

Hermione smiled. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do. And I will feel something for Darien because I know he likes me back. See, that’s how relationships get started.” Hermione explained as if talking to a toddler. “Mutual attraction.”

Isabelle shook her head with a smile. “You’re such a tool.”

“Thank you.” Hermione replied and got off the bed. “Now help me with my makeup.”

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Darien Buckland had the straightest teeth Hermione had ever seen. She was sitting across from him at the quiet Moroccan restaurant he had taken her to. The lighting was dim and the smell was phenomenal, giving the restaurant a very romantic and exotic atmosphere.

Back to the teeth. For some reason, the way he smiled and showed his teeth seemed a bit too perfect to Hermione. She couldn’t help but compare Darien to Draco and how when Draco smiled, he showcased his canines, giving him a feral look.

Darien was actually very attractive. He had black hair that was cut short and styled very nicely. He had brown eyes and tanned skin, which made him blend in with the Moroccan theme. He was taller than Hermione, but not as tall as Draco, as she had noticed when he had picked her up.

Hermione nodded along as Darien told her how he decided to become a Healer specializing in geriatric care. They talked over couscous and lamb.

“I used to visit my grandparents in Cork and they had two matron-witches who took care of them. I respected them so much that I knew I wanted to help the elderly when I grew older.”

“That’s very sweet.” Hermione said kindly as she took a sip of the red Cabernet Sauvignon. “So did you have any other fields in mind when you started at St. Mungo’s?”

“I thought of doing emergency Healing but then decided to stick with the geriatric care.” He said and smiled at her. “How is the home-care thing going? I asked Isabelle and she said that you’re not allowed to disclose much information about it.”

“That’s true. The whole point of the DCP is to keep the patient’s confidentiality. I can tell you the generic stuff though. My patient has paranoid schizophrenia and so far, I’ve been able to condition her to have fewer fits. It’s only been a week though and it could change in the future, become worse or better.”

“Have you been going stir-crazy staying in the same place for so long?” he asked.

“Actually not at all. She is an extremely endearing woman and I enjoy her company and the company of her son.” She said, trying as much as possible to keep Draco off of her mind.

“Oh, she has a son? Is he a child?” he asked curiously.

“Uh, no he’s a few months younger than me actually.” Hermione said and wished Darien would switch the topic.

He nodded and smiled at her. “So you only get two days off a week?”

“Yes. It’s very generous of the family to give me the days off because usually the Healers in this program don’t get any time off.”

“Hmm that is very generous.” He said and paid the bill.

They left the restaurant and walked around the busy London streets talking about the hospital mostly, since that was something they were both heavily involved in.

He offered to walk Hermione back to her flat. At the doorstep, Hermione had a mini panic attack as she realized that Darien might want a goodnight kiss.

She had had a nice evening with him, but it actually was pretty dull in her opinion. They spoke of safe ‘first-date’ topics and he didn’t make her laugh. If she were to get anywhere with a guy, he had to make her laugh.

He looked at her and smiled. “I want to thank you for coming out with me tonight. I had a lovely evening.”

“Thank you. I really did enjoy myself, the evening was very nice.” Hermione said kindly.

He sighed. “So are you going to tell me what, or more specifically, who has been on your mind the whole night?”

“Huh?” Hermione asked, startled.

He laughed a bit. “It’s ok, Hermione. I’ve been there before. Right after I broke up with my first girlfriend. I couldn’t hold conversations with people without her popping into my head every five seconds.”

Hermione stared at him in disbelief. Was she really that obvious? Or was Darien just very intuitive.

“She went on to marry and divorce some rich bloke from Berlin, but I still think about her every once in a while.” Darien said. “Listen, I’m not going to stand in the way between you and this other guy, because I know when my ex went and married that German, it tore me apart. I wouldn’t wish that on your secret man because it’s a horrible feeling.

“He’ll be lucky to have you, Hermione. You are a sweet, beautiful woman and you deserve to find true love. I’m sorry to say, but I kind of needed to take you out to see if I was over my ex. Sadly, I don’t think I am.” he said quietly.

Hermione’s voice had decided to take a vacation. She had absolutely no idea what to say.

“So I’m sorry if I used you, but I really did have a great time tonight. You are a wonderful girl.” He said with a smile.

Hermione’s voice finally showed up. “I think I might have used you a bit, too.” She said with her eyes on the floor. “I was trying to ignore some things, but they’ve proven pretty hard to ignore.”

“Yeah. I definitely understand. Hopefully you can make the right choice and not end up like me. I wish you the best Hermione and I hope this guy knows how lucky he is to hold your affection.”

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles softly. “I hope we can stay friends.”

Hermione nodded and smiled. “I’d love that Darien. Thank you for everything and I really hope you can find what you’re looking for.”

“Me too.” He said with a grin. “Good night, Hermione.”

“Night.” She said and watched as Darien walked away.

Hermione took a deep breath and stepped into her flat, but not before jumping at the sight of Isabelle waiting on the couch.

“Holy shit, Belle. You scared me.” Hermione said with her hand to her chest. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to ask how your date went.” Isabelle said as she stretched out on the couch. “Harry had to work tonight and I switched shifts with Edgar so you better tell me everything.”

Hermione sighed and sank onto the couch next to Isabelle. She told her all about the date and everything that had occurred. Isabelle was grinning slyly when Hermione got to the conversation she and Darien had on the doorstep.

“Why are grinning like a damn Cheshire cat?” Hermione asked jokingly.

“You and Malfoy are going to have the cutest kids.” Isabelle said dreamily.

“Belle! Really, now what’s gotten into you?” Hermione asked with a hint of shock.

“I’m joking, Herms. But now you’ve heard it from two people. You have serious feelings for Malfoy and I think you should go for it. You’ll never know what could happen. And don’t give me all this bullshit about him not liking you.”

“But he doesn’t like me.” Hermione said.

“Listen Hermione, trust me. I only want what’s best for you and have I ever steered you wrong?”

Hermione raised an eyebrow at her friend.

“Ok have I ever steered you wrong besides the time we accidentally stole those ice creams from those kids?” Isabelle said with a smile at the memory.

Hermione laughed and shook her head.

“See? Please, just tell him how you feel and I’m one hundred percent positive he will feel the same. Don’t let this opportunity go or you’ll live a life of regret.” Isabelle pleaded.

Hermione sighed and rubbed her face with her hands. “Belle, I’m afraid of rejection. How could I continue to work with him after I tell him how I feel and then he turns me down? It would be so awkward and I don’t want to ruin the friendship we have now. It is so nice and I wouldn’t want to wreck it.”

“Look, wait a while and see if he does anything that would assure you of his feelings. If he does, go for it and don’t look back.”

“Fine.” Hermione said slowly. “But if something goes wrong and I completely muck things up, then I’m coming after you.”

“I’m not worried.” Isabelle said with a smirk.

“You know what we haven’t done in such a long time?” Hermione asked.

“No, what?”

“Chocolate ice cream-bitch about Dr. Whore-movie marathon-slumber party.” Hermione said in one breath.

Isabelle broke out in a huge smile and jumped off the couch. “I call your bed!”

Hermione laughed and followed her friend for one of the most enjoyable nights they could possibly imagine.

--------------Sunday night-----------------

Sunday night found Draco lounging on his bed in his boxer shorts and white t-shirt as he watched the dark-haired muggle prostitute lace up her stiletto boots.

He had managed to hire her through private connections and now looking back on it, he completely regretted it. She had been a decent shag but he couldn’t help but feel completely disgusted with himself. It was like using an unclean public toilet…only worse.

She was an attractive woman probably in her late twenties. The minute she left, Draco wanted to disinfect every part of his body and burn the bed.

She looked up at him and smiled as she laced up the other boot.

He suppressed the urge to scowl and stared back. “The money’s on the dresser.” He said simply.

“Yeah, I got it. You know, Mr. Drago-

“Draco”

“Yes, Mr. Draco, you’ve probably been the best client I have ever had.”

“Is that so?” he asked apathetically.

“Yep. I have never had a client wait for me to orgasm first. Such a gentleman you are, love.”

Draco suppressed yet another scowl and watched her walk over to the mirror to adjust her hair and makeup.

She talked to him from the mirror. “Yep, the best client.” She repeated. “So considerate and caring. That Hermione is one lucky woman.”

Draco’s eyes widened and he almost choked on his quick intake of breath. “What did you say?”

“I said that Hermione bird is one lucky woman, to have such a good lover like you.”

“How did you know that name? I haven’t said more than one sentence to you all night.”

“You don’t remember?”

Draco stared at her in resigned shock. “Remember what?”

“You said her name when you climaxed.” She said plainly. “So is she an ex-girlfriend?”

Draco’s hands felt sweaty and he wanted to get rid of the hooker as fast as possible. “No. Are you done yet?” he asked impatiently.

“No need to be so uptight.” She said with a roll of her eyes as she grabbed her bag from one the chairs in the room. “Hope we’ll meet again, Mr. Drago.”

Draco didn’t even bother to correct her this time and barely noticed when she left the room. He rubbed his face with his hand and closed his eyes tight.

‘I was supposed to get Granger out of my bloody mind with the damn hooker. Zeus almighty I’m so pathetic.’ He thought to himself as he walked into the bathroom, ready to quadruple cleanse his body.

---------------------------------

Hermione unlocked the front door to the manor at around 10 p.m. and stepped inside the spacious foyer. Her flat had seemed so stuffy and confined the past weekend. She closed the door behind her and looked towards the stairs where she heard the click of heels.

For a second, Hermione figured that Narcissa was coming downstairs to greet her, but then she remembered that Narcissa took an anti-depressant potion every Sunday night and was in bed by eight p.m.

Before she could wonder if Draco liked to cross-dress and put on heels, a striking woman came into sight. She was very pretty and was dressed rather provocatively. Hermione stared at the woman in disbelief.

“Hello, darling.” The woman said with a sugary smile.

“Uh…hi?” Hermione said cautiously. “I don’t mean to be rude, but who are you exactly?”

“Name’s Starr.” She said casually and ran her manicured hand through her hair. “And you are?”

“Healer Hermione Granger.” Hermione said with the most authority she could muster.

“Ah, so you’re the Hermione. Very pretty, you are.” She said honestly.

Hermione looked at the woman strangely. “Thank you…I guess.”

Draco practically ran down the stairs. As he was washing his body for the seventh time, he remembered that Hermione was supposed to come back tonight and for some reason he didn’t like the idea of her running into the prostitute.

His swift entrance drew strange looks from Hermione and the hooker. He had thrown on a shirt and pants, but his hair was still wet and his damp shirt clung to his body, outlining his abdomen and pectorals.

“Shit.” He panted as he saw the two of them standing in front of each other.

“Hello Mr. Drago, did I forget something?” Starr asked.

“No. I just came to make sure you knew where the exit was.” He said in between breaths.

She eyed him critically. “I may be a hooker, but I’m not stupid. I can find a bloody front door all by my lonesome.”

With that, Starr turned on her heel and promptly left, heels clicking loudly.

Draco dropped his head in shame as Hermione stood there with her jaw near the floor.

“Shit.” He repeated as he leaned against one of the columns in the foyer.

“Uh.” Hermione said, trying to get her thoughts to mesh together and form words. “Well, goodnight then.”

Draco looked up and saw her moving quickly, dashing up the stairs.

“Granger, wait.” He said, trying to catch up with her.

She ignored him and sped up. She reached her double doors and swiftly went inside, closing and locking them behind her.

Hermione heard Draco approach and the urgent knocks on the door.

“Granger, open the door. Please?” He asked.

Hermione took a deep breath and put on the straightest face she could. She opened the door and smiled at Draco.

“Yes?” she asked sweetly.

“Can we talk?” He asked slowly, a bit disturbed by how calm she was.

“What’s there to talk about, Malfoy?”

“Why’d you run off like that?” he asked.

Hermione put her hand to her mouth and faked a yawn. “Oh, you know, just really tired after this long weekend. What with my big date and all.”

Draco quirked an eyebrow, but didn’t dare show more emotion than that.

“It looks like you had fun this weekend as well.” She said in that same sweet tone.

“Oh yeah, tons.” He said with a roll of his eyes and as much sarcasm as possible.

“Was the prostitute not fun enough?” Hermione asked with false concern.

“No.” he said simply.

“Well that’s too bad. Is there anything else you needed?” she asked.

“I don’t like this.” he said with his arms folded across his chest.

“Don’t like what?”

“The way you’re acting. It’s sinister.”

“What are you implying?” she asked with a cold stare.

“I’m not implying anything. I don’t like you all cold and menacing like this.” He said and ignored the roll of her eyes. “Is it because of the prostitute? I’m sorry I hired her. I admit it wasn’t the most pleasant experience. I felt quite disgusted with myself afterwards. I don’t need you to be the moral police around here and make me feel guilty about something I already feel like shit for.”

“I don’t care one bit about the hooker, Malfoy.” Hermione said with malice. “Why should I? You’re a big boy and you can make your own decisions. It’s not like there’s anything going on between us for me to be bothered by her. Goodnight.”

She slammed the door in his face and sank to the ground against the door. Hugging her knees close to her body, she let the tears flow. This was the first time she had cried since she had been trained not to cry for her patients. The first time in seven months, and all for that git on the other side of the door.

‘He doesn’t deserve my tears.’ She thought as she hiccoughed and sobbed.

--------------------------------

Draco’s chest constricted as he heard the muffled sobs through the door. He didn’t understand why she had reacted that way.

‘She can’t be jealous. That would mean she fancies me and I know that’s not true.’ He thought as he leaned against the wall right next to her door.

‘Was she lying about that date? Of course she went on a date, how dumb can I be? She probably has a line of blokes ready and willing to take her out. Fuck. The stupid hooker was supposed to clear Granger from my thoughts…not accentuate them.’

Hermione and Draco spent the night like that, lost in their thoughts, with Hermione leaning against her door and Draco sitting up against the wall next to her door.

----------------------------------

Narcissa awoke early the next morning, got ready for the day and left her wing only to find her son sleeping in an uncomfortable position against the wall near Hermione’s double doors. With a small smile, she kneeled down next to him and shook his shoulder gently.

He woke with a start and blinked rapidly, confused as to where he was. “Mum? Is everything ok?” he asked, always putting her concerns first.

“Yes, love. Now come on and go sleep in my bed. It’s closer than your room and you look worn out. You can join me in the garden when you’re fully rested.”

Draco nodded and got up. Narcissa kissed his cheek and made her way downstairs.

-----------------------------

Hermione had awoken in a very painful position with an ache in her head and neck. She realized she had slept against her door and felt stupid. The events of the previous night assaulted her mind and she took a deep breath to keep from crying again.

She then heard Narcissa's voice on the other side of the door. She listened closely and from what she could work out, it seemed that Malfoy had fallen asleep right outside her door.

For some reason, when she heard this, Hermione allowed the tears to flow again.


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A/N: please don’t forget to review!! I would love you forever…I already do, but I would love you like we all love Draco! Now that’s true love. : )

The title of this chapter comes from the song “Bend and Break” by Keane


also, i've had some requests for email notifications...if you'd like me to send out an email when i update the fic, then just leave your email in a review and i'll start that on the next chapter!!