Castle Guard by greenflowerpot

Chapter 2

- NOT MY STORY!! ALL CREDITS TO @greenflowerpot ON A03!!
-
Hermione decided, over the course of much miserable rumination, that the worst part of the encounter had been how young and inexperienced Malfoy made her feel.

This was really saying something, considering that there were also large quantities of embarrassment and a strange sort of disappointment at play as well.

But—Hermione thought resentfully—she was an adult. Nineteen years of age, old enough for her parents to have started bringing up the topic of royal suitors with some amount of impatience. Malfoy had no business treating her like a child.

The way he'd spoken to her after the countess had scampered off—like he needed to stay and explain things to her—made Hermione's cheeks heat with humiliation.

It's casual with the countess. That is to say—casual means I'm not seriously involved with her.

Hermione scowled at the memory, highlighted a passage in her potions journal so hard that she nearly tore through the parchment. She was sure he would not have spoken to the countess like that. The countess, who was experienced and beautiful and lucky enough to not be an innocent like Hermione.

Hermione shook her head with annoyance and returned her focus to the task at hand.

Her research was going well. The improved Pepperup Potion had been excellent. Hermione made careful note in her potions journal of each adjustment she'd made to the brewing process, making sure to capture every detail. She had even deigned to include a small section about connecting charms and their usefulness to time-sensitive ingredients like Devil's Snare blossom. It had been an impressive bit of magic, after all, she thought grudgingly. Even if it had come from Malfoy.

Hermione groaned and rested her head on the desk. Clearly, she needed a change of scenery.

She stood and grabbed her cloak. She had been meaning to visit the castle orchard anyway. The potions cupboard was running low on glow worms, and there were plenty to be found on the apple trees—the task would keep her mind busy, at least.

In the fresh air, under the afternoon sunshine, Hermione felt a little better. It was lovely outside—skies clear and blue, a warm summer breeze gently fluttering the layered fabrics of Hermione's dress. Pale golden sunlight streamed through the curled leaves of the apple trees, throwing dappled patterns onto the ground.

Hermione took her time with the task, enjoying making progress on something productive. She carefully searched the bark of each tree in search of the telltale shimmering silk that marked a glow worm's tunnel. She was on her third or fourth tree when the unexpected sound of footsteps came from somewhere nearby.

Hermione turned, squinting, trying to see who it was through the thick rows of trees. Nobody but her ever came to the orchards this time of day.

"Hello?" she called out.

Malfoy came into view, ducking under a low-hanging branch to join her. He gave her a tentative smile.

"Hello, your highness."

"Oh," Hermione said, exhaling. She turned back to the tree trunk she had been examining, hoping he could not see the faint flush on her cheeks. "It's you."

What was he doing here? Hermione felt her stomach twist nervously.

"I happened to be nearby, I thought perhaps I could offer my assistance."

"You don't even know what I'm doing," she pointed out.

"You're collecting glow worms," Malfoy said easily, moving a little closer. "For potions."