Deal With The Devil (Dramione)

Chapter Seven: Draco's Apartment

Hermione strolled through the park by her apartment, delighting in the sunny day. When she got to her favorite tree she unrolled the blanket she'd been carrying and laid it out. Settling down on it she reached into her tiny beaded bag and pulled out Hogwarts a History. No matter how many times she read it, she always returned to it in times of stress.

            Her concentration was broken when a familiar voice called out, "Hermione?"

            She glanced up to find Blaise headed towards her, a disgruntled-looking Draco following in his shadow.

            "Ciao Bella! I'd know those curls anywhere!" Blaise cried as he flung himself down next to her.

            Hermione arched an eyebrow at Draco, who was standing awkwardly next to his friend. "Have a seat, Draco. Blaise has already made himself conformtable."

            After staring at her with an unreadable gaze, Draco sat down carefully on the blanket corner. Hermione rolled her eyes.

            "What are you reading?" Blaise asked, picking up a corner of her book so he could see the title. To her utter confusion, Blaise started cackling when he saw what it was.

            "What's so funny?" Hermione snapped.

            Still sniggering, Blaise choked out, "I thought only Draco had read that book. It's been what, sixteen times now, mate?"

            Shocked, Hermione turned to Draco, who was a delicate shade of pink. "I don't know. I've lost count."

            "You've read it?" Hermione asked eagerly, her gaze fixed on Draco, who nodded. "What did you think of chapter twelve?"

            Draco's pale eyebrows rose. "You mean the goblin involvement? I think it's bloody dreadful."

            Before Hermione could express her agreement, Blaise cleared his throat. "As interesting as this is, I want to know what you're doing on this side of London."

            Hermione blinked. "I live close by."

            Blaise sat back up abruptly. "No kidding?"

            "I live maybe five minutes walk from here. What are you two doing here?"

            Blaise smirked. "Draco lives around the corner."

            Hermione frowned. There wasn't anyplace particularly fancy around, and none of the buildings were wizard only. Before she could think of anything to say, Blaise was grabbing her hand and pulling her up.

            "Drake, grab Hermione's things. Hermione, darling, come this way."

            Hermione cast a glance back at Draco, who was sitting on the blanket, confused, as Blaise dragged her away.

            "Where are we going?' she asked, adjusting her hand, so her fingers were twined through Blaise's. She felt the heat of Draco's glare on her back.

            Blaise looked down at her, smirking. "To Dracos place, of course." Draco groaned behind them.

Hermione had to admit that although the building they entered was the tallest, it was anything fancy. It didn't even have a doorman. What kind of Malory didn't have a doorman?

When they got on the muggle elevator, a tiny old woman was standing in the corner. Her magnified eyes behind her glasses lit up at the sight of Draco. "Drakie!" She greeted. "How are you today, sweet boy?"