Project 137.43.M.D.

LV. | CURA IN ELIGENDO

LV.
CURA IN ELIGENDO
(caution regarding the selection)

At the second knock on her apartment door, Hermione almost had to kick herself free.

The first time, Draco had wrapped his arms around her almost vice-like and pulled her back to his bare chest. He had buried his face in the crook of her neck and kissed her skin so delicately that she had actually considered just staying snuggled up against him and ignoring the late visitor.

But now she was unsettled. A glance at the clock in her living room told her it was already past ten, so whoever was at her door probably had a good reason for it. She slipped out of Draco's warm embrace. He quietly grumbled his disapproval, but eventually let her go.

As Hermione clumsily slipped into her clothes, she felt his eyes rake hotly down her back, arse and legs. She gave him another quick look as she ducked into the hallway. It was enough to make her heart beat faster. Draco Malfoy stark naked and completely satisfied on her sofa. With dark gray eyes, a wistful expression on his face and hair absolutely disheveled. That was a sight she could definitely get used to.

The grin that had secretly crept onto her face crumbled as she opened the door and realized who was waiting outside.

"Ron!" she squeaked in surprise, instantly praying that her exclamation got through to Draco.

If so, then he was damn good at dressing silently without using any magic. Not a single sound came from the living room.

"Oh good, you're still awake," Ron stated, looking at her rather contritely. "Listen, I don't want to disturb you for long. Can I come in for a moment?"

Under normal circumstances, Hermione wouldn't have hesitated for a second. But now, fully aware that a naked ex-Slytherin whom Ron hated to death might still be waiting for her on her sofa completely unaware, she was speechless for a moment. Apparently Ron misinterpreted her startled expression.

"You're still mad at me," he murmured dejectedly, ruffling his fiery red hair in uncertainty. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I was just... I needed a little time to think about it, but I'd really like-"

Ron trailed off and his eyes traveled from Hermione's face over her shoulder to a point diagonally behind her. He turned pale.

Heat shot up her cheeks immediately, because of course she knew who must have entered the hallway. Oh Merlin, don't let him still be naked. Please don't let him be naked. She blinked once, twice, and then slowly turned her head.

Draco was fully dressed and had even fixed his hair. His gaze was on Ron as he took his hoodie from her coat rack and draped it over his arm. Then he stepped behind Hermione and a second later she felt his hand on her lower back - just lightly, but it was there. Possessive. She didn't know whether to be offended or flattered.

"Malfoy."

"Weasley."

They stared at each other in silence for a few seconds. Then Hermione cleared her throat, eventually causing Draco to turn his head towards her. She saw confusion in his eyes. And maybe even a hint of displeasure. Still, his lips curled into a small smile as he met her gaze.

"I have to go anyway," he finally said calmly.

Hermione was sure that until a few minutes ago he definitely hadn't planned on leaving her apartment that night, so that statement was rather surprising. She just blinked gratefully, still not finding her voice. At least Draco didn't seem angry - for once.

"See you tomorrow," he said firmly.

That statement was intentional, Hermione was sure. And she had to swallow because it occurred to her that maybe he was about to lean in and kiss her goodbye before Ron's very eyes. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought and she wasn't sure if she was scared or even secretly wishing he would just do it. It was absurd. Her emotions were obviously completely out of control.