Infinity [D.M x H.G]

06. In which the book is a catalyst

Hermione drummed her fingers against her kitchen countertop. She was sat on the stool next to it, waiting. Once again she peeped at her watch and sighed- 6:45. Malfoy was meant to pick her up soon and they were to head to his place in order to visit his parents. Needless to say Hermione was terrified, the prospect of being face to face with the man in whose house she had lived some of her most painful moments was not one she could come to terms with cheerfully. She found little comfort in knowing that Malfoy would be by her side all the time and smiled at the thought.

Checking her reflection in the mirror on the wall ahead, she smoothed out any crease on the dress just in case. Donning a white crocheted sundress and a matching pair of derby shoes coupled with a rose gold pendant from her mother with her hair done neatly in a waterfall braid, she had definitely gone the extra mile today and it may have been to impress her fake boyfriend's parents. After all, the Malfoys were known for their lavishness and style if one put aside their dark past. The bell outside rang just as she fixed the final crease and Hermione rushed to open it, surprised at the sight in front of her.

Draco stood just outside the threshold bearing a bouquet of white lilies. "Hey, you ready to leave?" he asked, stepping in and placing the bouquet on the drawer next to the door. He took a glance at her and stood stunned.

"Granger?" he asked, "have I come in the wrong apartment?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, why?"

"I mean you look, well different."

"Oh no. I knew it, I look terrible don't I-"

Draco took her hand, a smile on his face, "You know," he began, "for someone who's known for her smarts you're being awfully stupid at the moment. You look absolutely gorgeous. Not that you didn't before but you know.." he finished rather lamely.

"Oh. Well thank you. You clean up nicely too."

They laughed and Draco settled on the couch, as comfortable as if he had lived there for a long time. "The flowers are for you by the way, hope you like them."

"They're lovely, white lilies are my favourite." she said, picking up the bouquet and taking out the flowers to place them in a vase.

Draco's eyes flicked up to meet hers, as though searching for a lie. Instead he saw they were shining and something within him shifted. There was pure delight reflected in those chocolate coloured eyes and he would do anything to keep them that way.

"I know, you told me in our 8th year, or was it 7th?" he replied, finally looking away.

"You remembered?" she whispered.

"Of course I did! It was the first time we had a conversation without wanting to murder each other." chuckled Draco.

After Hermione was finished, Draco walked over to her, extending his hand for her to hold.

"Ready to go?"

"I guess so. I'm a bit nervous really." admitted Hermione.

"Don't be, I'm pretty sure my mother already likes you more than me."

"Of course! I'm much more likeable, snobby and annoying as you are." replied Hermione.

"Must you taunt me at any given moment?"

"Yes! Old habits die hard."

Draco rolled his eyes and took her hand once more, then he spun on the spot, letting the darkness consume them. Moments later they arrived in the gardens of Draco's house, halting in order to catch their breath. Hermione looked up at the large house where the garden was primed to perfection deciding that she quite liked Draco's house.

They walked up the pebbled pathway to the door together where Draco took out his wand and tapped the doorknob twice. The door swung open and at the end of the hall stood a tiny house elf. "Welcome home master." she squeaked, holding her skirt and bowing to Draco.

"Thank you Rowan, I've told you not to bow to me please." he told her, bowing his head in response.

"Rowan is sorry Master, Rowan shall remember. Who is that Master?"

Hermione waved at Rowan, pleased to see that Malfoy had been treating her well, "Hello Rowan, I'm Hermione."

"Hello Miss Hermione, you looks very nice."  Rowan bowed once again as Hermione blushed at the compliment.

"Thank you Rowan."

"Rowan, Miss Hermione is our special guest this evening and very important to me." Draco informed. Then he gestured to Hermione, leading the way to the living room. Noticing her hesitancy, he held her hand within his own rubbing small circles gently in order to soothe her. "My parents aren't here yet, don't worry. I know you're hesitant to meet my father but believe me, he's changed. You do trust me don't you?"

Hermione nodded, "I do trust you Malfoy. It's just a little strange for me, that's all." she said. Somehow she felt relaxed, strange as it may seem, his touch helped calm her nerves.

"I know."

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

"Master Draco! Mistress Narcissa and Master Malfoy are here." called Rowan from the landing. She rushed inside, followed by Narcissa and Lucius who walked into the living room and waited wondering where their son and Hermione might be. The pair in question was upstairs in the library where Hermione had picked out a book and settled herself on one of velvet red armchairs. Draco sat opposite, admiring her, from the way her face conveyed the emotions she felt as she read to the frustrated pout she made when her hair fell in front of her eyes. He had a sudden urge to push it away from her face just so he could continue.

Rowan's call distracted him and he got up, making his way downstairs. However he stopped at the door when he saw that Granger was still curled up in the chair. He smiled again, though he didn't know why. 

Granger, come on, mother and father are here." he called. 

She payed no heed, to engrossed in the book. So he walked over and yanked the book out of her hands, scowling.

 "Hey! What was that for Malfoy?" she asked standing up.

"That Granger," he took a step closer, one hand around her waist the other holding the book high up, "was because this book had all your attention."

"And that's a problem because?" she asked, breathing a little heavy.

Draco leant down so his face was near her ear and whispered, "Because I want all your attention. All the time."

He looked at her as though he wanted nothing more than to memorize every detail of her face. Her hair fell on her face once again and he reached out to tuck it back behind her ear, eyes never leaving hers.

Then there was a small cough and Draco moved back immediately as the person at the door made their presence clear. "Nice to see you two are chumming up." chuckled Blaise.

A/N: Pretty sure I messed up the final scene but I promise thing will get better soon, well I hope so anyway. I'm sorry Blaise came in at the final moment but it'll all work out. I've edited the cast list, two new characters Mason & Jake will now be a part of this story so give that a read again pls.
Filter credits for Hermione's outfit collage go to my lovely friend Meg- she's brilliant!

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Thanks for reading, stay safe.
lots of love,
writinganewtale ✨