Companions

Part 2: Nice To Meet You

He's had a rough time the last few years. 

Between more or less losing Hermione as a friend to telling his parents he didn't want to follow the normal path, to losing Blaise- Draco feels he finally hit a bit of luck.

George Barnes, the previous owner of Old Street Records- which is now the Serpent's Drink- hired Draco four years ago as a bartender. He had no experience and wasn't so sure working in the Muggle's world was going to be his cup of Butterbeer, but he stuck with it. George decided to retire and by shear dumb luck it seems- left the bar to Draco, who shoveled all he had into making it exactly how he wants it.

It's a simple life for sure.

Only using magic at home.

Working hours he wants too.

Playing music two nights a week to a very involved and enthusiastic crowd.

He doesn't need anything else in life.

"Hi..." Looking up from putting his guitar back in it's case, he pauses as he hears a long forgotten voice.

Hermione.

Turning around after clamping the case shut, he looks at her and decides to fuck with her for old times sake.

"Um...hello?" He acts as though he doesn't know who she is. Looking around, she finds most of the patrons are gone by now. Only the two bartenders and Four guys are left. Sarah had left a moment ago- understanding that Hermione wanted to meet with Draco alone.

"Nice place. I think it's brilliant." She smiles and he nods and looks around.

"Thank you...um...do...do I know you?" Her face pales and she feels bizarre- as if she's in a dream state.

"You're joking right?" Shaking his head no, he grabs the mic and begins taking the cord off of it and twisting it around his arm and hand to wrap it nicely.

"No, sorry. I don't recall meeting you. I'm pretty good with faces and yours I don't remember." He says and her heart thumps hard in her chest.

"Surely, your not serious. We went to school together. You know...swish and a flick?" She makes the hand gesture and he looks oddly at her.

"Ha...is that some sort of dance? I'm not familiar. Maybe if you remind me of your name. I'm fairly good with names." Sighing she looks around as she bites her inner cheek.

"Hermione." He stares blankly at her. "Huh...Hermione Granger?"

He continues to stare.

"Nothing?"

"No."

"No?" Scratching her head, she can't believe he doesn't remember her. Watching the last four patrons leave and the bartenders get ready to go home- Hermione feels completely lost. "I didn't think I was that forgettable after only five years..."

Her voice quiets and trails off and he knows he's messed around enough.

"Sorry for wasting your time... I guess I made a mistake." Beginning to walk away, she shakes her head and is actually quite hurt that Draco Malfoy of all people doesn't remember her- both enemy and later good friend. Maybe he's written her off. Or maybe this is someone else with the same name and same eyes. His eyes being the only real rememberable thing about him under all that hair and odd attire.

Noticing her phone in her back pocket, he takes out his wand and uses Accio to slide it out and bring it to him. Reaching back, she looks at the ground, thinking her phone fell out of her pocket, but when it's not there- she looks back towards the stage and finds Draco holding it with a smug smile on his face.