And She Was Golden

and she plays her part (he plays his too)

Pansy,

Is this payback for all those times I didn't write back? I know you're awfully busy but respond to Blaise at least. He's been nagging me with details I know nothing about. If you're angry at me for something, at least tell me what it is.

I'm worried.

Draco

o.o.o

Draco trudges through the snow, towards the Brickley Cafe. The place is still done up with lingering holly and tinsel. Remnants of Christmas are still scattered around his favoured haunt. He pushes open the door and is immediately hit with the intoxicating scent of freshly baked confectionary and warm coffee. Tinkling bells announce his arrival into the premises and he can't help but smile.

"Draco! I've been wondering where you were!" A welcoming voice calls out from behind the counter. "Had a happy holiday?"

Draco tips his head in the direction of the barista. "Decent enough, and you?"

"My niece is a sweetheart, she's gotten so tall I hardly recognized her!" The kindly woman shakes her head "The usual then?"

"If it's not too much trouble for you, Kathy."

"Don't be silly, sweetheart!" she enthuses.

"Thanks," Draco says distractedly, eyes roaming over the area. He spots her immediately, sitting in the same spot as last time. Loosening his winter scarf, Draco makes his way over to Granger.

"I hope you weren't waiting too long?" Draco settles in across from her, noting the way her finger traces the rim of a half-empty mug.

"Not at all!" she exclaims, clearing some room. However, the haphazardly strewn gloves and open notebook alongside another cup all point to the contrary. Let it not be said Draco wasn't learning anything during his sentence at the Ministry.

"Thank you for showing up without prior notice-" Always. "-I hate that I'm keeping you from your home."

"The Manor is hardly as interesting as the promise of your company."

Granger shifts in her seat, looking pleased. "I didn't realize you were a proper regular." Her eyes wander over to the gossiping workers. "They know your name and everything."

"That is how one generally starts an acquaintance. Do you often find yourself forming friendships without knowing people's names?" he says cheekily.

"Only with people that bore me," she quips.

"Ah, so the entirety of our year must be strangers to you."

"I know your name well enough, Draco Malfoy."

"And so it seems you do," he murmurs, watching her intently. "Now pray tell, what was the reason for this urgent summons?"

"We need a plan if we're really going to go through with-" she gestures a hand in between them "this."

"This?"

"Us." Her cheeks flush. "Together."

"Do you often plan out your relationships?" he montones, ignoring the way his heart skips a beat.

"Only the false ones," she squeaks, dropping her gaze. "We need to have the same stories when people ask questions. How on earth will we explain this? Everyone will have questions." And justified outrage.

"Golden girl spotted with Death Eater! Tell me Miss Granger, have you been hexed?" he mocks, mimicking the action of snapping a photograph.