The Fractured Flame | Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Four: Hide and Seek

Potter,

Don't ask questions. The Elder Wand you buried in Dumbledore's tomb has been stolen. You're the wand's rightful master which means its loyalty lies with you. If you're interested in finding out more information, then agree to an Unbreakable Vow. My information for your adherence in not telling the Ministry. You have 24 hours to decide. Cheers.

P.S. You suck at Quidditch,

Draco Malfoy.

Hermione blinked. To the point as usual with him. She flipped the parchment over, moving onto the most recent letter that was dated for yesterday.

Potter,

Do you not use those glasses to read? Are they decoration? (Ugly ones if you ask me) Or are you really this stupid? The Elder wand is going to be used to recreate a relic that was thought to be destroyed in the late 19th century by an ex-Auror. I intend to steal the wand back and put an end to this fool's dream of a Wizarding Uprising before he's able to wield the relic. The date of the ceremony is 31 October. A bit cliche if you ask me, but that's when the veil between life and death is thinnest. They'll attack the lowest level of the Department of Ministries around 3am. Maybe you can say hi to my dear old relative, Sirius. Too soon?

I'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks tomorrow evening. Do you still drink that disgusting excuse for wine made by the Weasel matriarch? It tastes like Kneazle piss.

P.S. You still stuck at Quidditch,

Draco Malfoy.

Hide and Seek

The paranoia had set in hours ago.

When the door opened to the quaint, Muggle bookshop; Hermione was convinced that it would be an over six foot tall, Pureblood with surprisingly soft hair, and a body that reeked of sinful promises she had to pointedly ignore.

When the person stood too close behind her while ordering an iced Americano; Hermione was convinced it would be someone brimming with anger because she'd decided to steal letters while drunk.

She had intentionally called in sick to work today and ignored the Howler on her doorstep waiting to be opened that was sent from Harry. She also had intentionally gone to Muggle bookstores and coffee shops because she wasn't sure how she'd deal with Draco if she ran into him.

In truth, Hermione was in the wrong.

It was irrefutable that she had no business breaking into Harry's office, stealing personal letters between two.. Co-workers..? ... and then being rude to Draco when he was only trying to get his stuff back.

She was never going to live this down.

"Is this seat taken?" Hermione froze, the page between her fingertips slipping. She looked up to see her best friend, no longer in his Auror clothes. Instead he had on jeans and a casual blue jumper. His eyes were trained on her, not waiting for an answer as he sat down. His voice was firm, not warm as it normally was when he talked to her. It was all business right now. "You have something that belongs to me and you didn't respond to my howler this morning."