Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Tuition Money	By : cpetnm Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 53031 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
A.N. Thank you for reading and reviewing! You guys are the best!
@aisukurimu: Aww, you are too sweet. :)
@Trelweny: Hermione’s feelings for Draco have surprised her. She expected to feel cheap, but he’s done everything to make the experience authentic for her. Glad you like the girls’ day. Luna will play more of a role in this fic. She’s really good as a reasonable, somewhat impartial friend.
@HarryGinny4eva: Hermione doesn’t know what she has to offer, even though she’s truly fabulous. She’s going through the motions, but her heart is thawing towards Draco. Ah, Luna is fun! I plan on having her show up as the story evolves.
@ lexiatel: Draco was dreamboat material, wasn’t he? In my mind, he has an understanding that in order for them to progress in their relationship, her self-esteem needs to improve. Who wouldn’t love a guy like that? ;)
@ ilariasantaniello: Faccio fatica a scrivere le scene hot , quindi sono contento che stanno arrivando in tutta! Sentimenti di Hermione per Draco stanno finalmente iniziando a mostrare come la storia progredisce.
@ Malfoy'sgirl: As I’ve been writing, I imagine that the further away Hermione gets from Harry, the more she understands the extent of his issues. After he defeated Voldemort and the fanfare takes place, his ego has taken over. He’s not bad, but he is unkind and self-absorbed. On the other hand, Draco started off as a bigoted jerk, but he’s been humbled and is trying to live a more authentic life. But he’s Draco and bound to regress, too. I love the complications the characters present!
@ sherlocked17: So glad you thought it was hot. We’re back to the slow burn in this chapter, lol!
@ staar: He’s not quite at the love stage, but he definitely feels protective of her, which is a big thing for Draco. He’s considerate of her well-being, even though normally he thinks people should fend for themselves. Thank you for the review!
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The expression on Draco’s face had Hermione feeling self-conscious. She tugged at the modest neckline of her midnight blue dress.
“Is it alright?”
Merlin, she’s breathtaking.
Draco walked towards her, smiling, his black dress robes emphasizing his broad shoulders. He opened a jewelry box and showed her the opulent jewelry set Madam Monique had suggested for Hermione’s ensemble. The jeweler had offered to let Draco borrow the jewels for his famous war heroine girlfriend, but once Draco had seen the opal, sapphire, diamond and turquoise stones set in dark gold, he bought it for Hermione. He knew it was a ridiculous thing to do. Hermione would never accept such a gift, but he wanted her to have something as original and impressive as she was. Hermione gently fingered the jewelry that had been presented to her.
“May I?”
Hermione allowed Draco to clasp a modern, chunky bracelet around her wrist. Avant-garde earrings made their way into her earlobes. Hermione shivered at Draco’s delicate touch. Lastly, he put a square shaped ring on her middle finger.
“I’m concerned about how I’m going to fare tonight,” Draco said cheekily.
“Why’s that?” Hermione answered with a grin.
“I’m going to have to fight off all the wizards who’ll want your attention.”
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Draco had been right. For the second time in her life, jaws dropped as Hermione entered the Hogwarts Fundraising Gala.
“Miss Granger! This way!” a photographer called out.
“Smile,” Draco covertly reminded her.
“How long have you and Draco Malfoy been an item?” a reporter asked, notebook at the ready.
Draco answered. “We’ve been together for a few very wonderful months.” He put his arm around Hermione’s shoulder and kissed the top of her head.
“Miss Granger, tell us who designed your dress…” The questions continued until Harry, Ginny, Ron and Lavender entered the line and attention moved to their group.
“Well done, Granger,” Draco whispered into her ear, taking her arm and leading her into the grand hotel ballroom.
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Ginny and Lavender made their way to Hermione, fawning over her dress and jewelry.
“Harry said he’d talk to you when the press attention died down.” Ginny looked around and then said in a hushed voice, “He was asked to leave the Auror training program.”
Oh, no.
Ron had told Lavender the news and she looked sadly between Hermione and Ginny.
“He needs to see a mind healer,” Lavender whispered.
Ginny gave her a sharp look. “Don’t say another word, Brown. Harry needs to give himself time to deal with the trauma of the war. All of us do.”
“Of course,” Lavender said, nodding her head.
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Draco and Hermione perused the silent auction offerings.
“Pick something and I’ll give the donation,” Draco said while admiring an antique broom.
Hermione nodded. She was getting used to Draco Malfoy’s deep pockets and usually objected to his more extravagant spending, but she wanted Hogwarts to make lots of Galleons on this night.
As she was looking at the auction items, Professor McGonagall approached Hermione.
“Hello, Miss Granger.”
“Oh, Professor! It’s so good to see you.” Hermione gave the stoic woman a hug.
“How are your studies?”
“My classes are quite challenging, but I’m managing.”
“I’m sure you more than manage,” Minerva said with a smile. She watched the handsome, conflicted Malfoy boy join Hermione. This was an interesting development.
“Mr. Malfoy.”
“Hello, Professor MacGonagall.” He smiled at her as he placed his hand on Hermione’s back.
“How are your studies?”
“Very good. Hermione’s an excellent study partner.”
Minerva noticed the way Hermione blushed at his compliment. She’d worried about Hermione over the past few years. She had so much integrity, but she was easily taken advantage of by those she held dear. She suspected Draco Malfoy had a soft spot for her favorite student several years back and would have made a move if not for the amount of eyes watching his every move and his family’s fanatical ways. Professor MacGonagall knew Draco had been granted eighty percent of the Malfoy coffers after the war, another way for the Ministry to punish his parents. It did not escape her notice that Draco had been giving huge cash donations to help repair war-torn magical England.
The situation between her former students went beyond one of a boyfriend and girlfriend and she couldn’t put her finger on what that difference was, but she knew Malfoy could offer Hermione some financial comfort she desperately needed. She only hoped her former student understood her own value as a courageous, loving woman.
“Aye, she is, indeed. Miss Granger is a most special young woman. Good evening to the both of you.”
“Good evening, Professor,” they murmured in return.
“Have you picked yet?” Draco asked.
“I’m torn between the History of Magic text that belonged to Macallistair Tooley and the tour of the magical area of the Vatican. What do you think?”
“The tour, definitely. We’ll go over the holidays.”
Hermione hadn’t been aware that she would be spending the holidays with Draco. She wondered if he might want to try and spend some time with his parents or his friends. She’d thought maybe Molly and Arthur would allow her to stay at The Burrow for a few days, although being around the Weasleys was painful for her. It reminded her of the family she’d lost.
“Will that infringe on your holiday plans?”
“I had thought we could go to the Malfoy chalet in the Swiss Alps, but the tour will be just as novel. Did you have other plans for the time off from school?”
Other than visiting with her friends, she really didn’t. She didn’t have the resources to travel. It was a relief, actually. Hermione had been worried she’d have to find somewhere to live if Draco wanted a break from her for a few weeks.
“No, I had thought I’d study for classes next semester. A trip would be a nice respite.”
“That’s settled then. I’ll put in our bids. Would you mind getting me a glass of champagne? The waiter seems to keep passing by with an empty tray.”
“Sure. I’ll be right back.”
Hermione began making her way to the bar when Harry approached her.
“Hi,” Hermione said carefully. The unpleasant look Harry sported put her on the defensive.
“Do you have a moment?”
“Of course, Harry. We can go out to the balcony if you like.”
Hermione followed Harry out of the ballroom, wishing things between them hadn’t become so complicated.
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Draco finished placing their bids for the silent auction and began walking towards the bar, when he saw Hermione following Potter outside. His instincts urged him to follow the pair and ensure Potter didn’t encroach on what was his.
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Draco used another exit to slip out to the balcony of the ballroom. Warming charms had been used and the space was lit with delicate fairy lights. He stood against the wall, in the shadows, within hearing distance of Hermione and Potter.
“Men like Malfoy don’t change, Hermione. You’re so desperate for love you’d believe anything he says.”
Draco saw Hermione shake her head. “Draco has been nothing but honest with me, Harry.”
Harry gave a mirthless laugh. “What could you have to offer that prat? He could have any woman he wants and you think he would choose you? You’re dreaming.”
How could Potter treat her this way? She was the only person who had unfailingly stood by him. Draco would have killed for that kind of love and loyalty.
“You might not like Draco, but I haven’t done anything to deserve this kind of shite from you, Harry Potter.”
“So that’s it? You’d choose that Death Eater over me?”
Draco could hear the frustration in Hermione’s voice. “Why do I have to pick? Do you think I should be damned to spinsterhood because you don’t think I’m worthy of male companionship?”
Harry tried to pull Hermione into a hug, but she put her arms in front of her to ward him off. His face betrayed his irritation at Hermione not allowing him to touch her.
“Malfoy’s going to break your heart, pure and simple. You’re his plaything and he’ll discard you when he gets bored. He’ll look good by being with you and when he moves on, he’ll come out smelling like roses while everyone will think of you as Malfoy’s discarded whore.”
“That’s enough,” Hermione hissed. “Solve your own problems before you try to solve mine.”
Harry stood still, glaring daggers at her. “Everyone thinks you’re so selfless, but you don’t have anyone, do you? Your own parents don’t want anything to do with you. All your sacrifice and you have absolutely nothing to show for it.”
Harry shook his head disapprovingly and walked back into the ballroom. Hermione sagged against the wall, wiping tears from her eyes. Draco revealed himself, startling his distraught girl.
“Malfoy! You scared me.” She gave him a tremulous smile. “I forgot your drink.”
Draco waved her last statement away. “Are you alright?”
“How much of that conversation did you hear?”
“Enough,” he said angrily.
Hermione took a deep breath and straightened her back. “Do I look bad?”
A thumb came up to wipe a tear from under her eye. “No.”
Hermione took his offered hand and let him lead her back to the party.
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Hermione followed Draco around the ballroom, nodding and smiling, but her thoughts were miles away. Harry had cruelly called her a “whore”, but he wasn’t so far off. To complicate matters, she was beginning to have feelings for Malfoy. She suspected she would feel tenderly towards anyone who helped her and treated her well, but there was an intense chemistry between them that gave her butterflies when she was near him.
Initially she’d thought she’d be able to treat her arrangement with Draco like a job, but he certainly didn’t treat her like an employee. If anything, he treated Hermione with surprising care. Even when she was sharp with him, he took her behavior in stride. When she’d first started living with him and he’d run his fingers through her long hair and hold her so close at night she could hardly move, she worried she’d be smothered by his attention. The effect of his attention had been the opposite. The comfort and security she’d gained from their contact had begun to help her feel emotionally connected.
“How are you doing?” Draco asked as they made their way to the Ministry’s chief financial officer, Muldoon Gilliard.
“I’m fine.” It was obvious to Draco she was not fine, but she was admirably trying to continue the charade of the brilliant war heroine. If Potter did this to her again, Draco would be forced to confront him.
“We’ve made a good showing tonight. Let’s go after we talk to Gilliard.”
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Across the ballroom, Ginny watched Harry scowl at the pair walking hand-in-hand. Ginny suspected that something had happened between Harry and Hermione during their year on the run, but she couldn’t confront him without admitting to her own brief relationship with Neville. Neville had been her port in the storm during that horrible year the Carrows ruled Hogwarts.
“I know you don’t believe it, but Malfoy seems to truly like Hermione.”
“I don’t believe it. Don’t you know better, Gin?”
Ginny rolled her eyes. “Hermione is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. When we had lunch a couple of weeks ago, she was optimistically cautious about their relationship.”
“He’s using her.”
“Harry, for the first time in a year and a half, she’s not miserable. You have to let her make her own choices, even if you don’t like them.”
He gave an irritated sigh and raked his hand through his thick, black locks.
“I gave my bloody donation. Are you coming back to Grimmauld place tonight?”
Ginny had been having a good time until Harry’s demeanor had gone to hell after he talked to Hermione. She loved Harry and hated to see him in a constant struggle with his demons. After what he’d done for their world, he deserved some peace.
“I think we can slip out over there,” she said, motioning to a side door. “Let me tell Ron we’re leaving.”
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Draco unzipped Hermione’s dress and watched her walk around the bedroom in her undergarments while she hung her frock in the closet. He knew she was preoccupied by the horrid words Potter had said to her, but he liked when she let him see her in a state of undress. She took care in removing the beautiful jewels before attempting to hand them back to Draco.
“They’re yours,” he said, putting them back into her hands.
“What?”
“They’re part of your ensemble,” he said blithely.
“No. I can’t accept these.”
“Why?”
“These are priceless pieces, Malfoy, not for some charity case you’re helping out.”
He had known she’d react this way to his gift, particularly after Potter called her a whore. She was proud and the past few years had chipped away at her self worth.
“It’s not really charity since I get something in return,” Draco said with an arch of his brow.
“I suppose not,” she mumbled.
“Are you hungry?”
The abrupt change of subject took her aback. “A bit.”
“I heard some bloke in my Potions class talking about this Muggle pizza parlor that’s open all night. Might be fun.” He grinned at her. How could she resist accompanying him to a Muggle restaurant?
She smiled back at him, pleased to have the distraction of greasy, cheesy goodness. “Let me change and we can go.”
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The pizza parlor was dark, with loud music, people conversing, and the smell of baked cheese, garlic, and tomato sauce. It was divine. Hermione hadn’t had pizza in months. She had transfigured Draco’s pants into jeans and his wool cloak into a casual pea coat. Hermione had put on a pair of jeans with one of the fine cashmere sweaters Draco had bought for her. They looked more prosperous than the rest of the clientele, but at least they looked like Muggles.
“Smells good,” Draco said.
“I’ll go up to the counter and order for us. I have money,” she said meaningfully.
He nodded and went to find them a table. Sitting down, he noticed a few men taking notice of his girl. Her olive green sweater showed off her pert breasts and graceful neck. She’d plaited her long hair and it hung halfway down her back in a thick braid.
Hermione made her way to him with two Muggle ales and handed him one.
“Thanks,” Draco said, taking a sip. It was different. Malty and bitter.
“I haven’t had beer very often, but I like it with pizza or fish and chips.”
A moment later a server brought their pizza to the table. Hermione put a piece on her plate and took a bite. Draco watched her pick up the triangular food and bite off the tip.
“Gods, Draco, this is amazing,” Hermione said, her focus on the piece of pie in her hands.
He took a bite. Wow. It was an explosion of flavors in his mouth. He chewed slowly, enjoying the rich, tangy taste and chewy texture.
“Do you like it?” Hermione asked Draco.
He grinned at her. “Yeah, it’s great.”
She lowered her voice. “I’ve never seen you around Muggles.”
Draco had wanted to explore the Muggle world since the Wizengamot pardoned him, but he didn’t really know where to begin. Now that he had Hermione, he would take advantage of her knowledge of non-magical culture.
“I’ve wanted to explore this world, but I didn’t know where to start.”
She murmured her understanding. As an eleven-year-old girl, she’d had no point of reference or preconceived notions for the magical world. But Draco had been told of the inferiority and danger of Muggles since he could understand there were others aside from wizards and witches. It stood to reason that even as a logical adult, he’d have apprehension about the Muggle world. Hermione knew why he’d wanted to take this late night sojourn for pizza: he wanted to offer her the comfort of her upbringing and distract her from the hurtful words from her oldest friend.
She took his hand and squeezed. “Thank you.”
He understood what she was saying. Pulling her hand to his lips, he nipped her fingers. Hermione laughed at his light-hearted action.
“You’re welcome.”
- 6
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