Draco Malfoy and the Seven

Fisticuffs

Deep, even breaths Hermione told herself in an attempt to slow her heart rate and flaming cheeks. She was trying not to jump to conclusions about what just happened with Malfoy. If she didn't know any better, she would say he had just given her a very thorough once over, but this was Draco Malfoy, and she was Hermione Granger. The two names spoken together always brought the conversation of old-school rivalry, blood purity, and a healthy amount of animosity.

Still, Draco had worn a simmering look promising unbridled passion that brought on thoughts that Hermione should most definitely not be having. His hungry gaze had sent her mind into overdrive with thoughts of his long legs eating up the space between them in the small lounge, a large warm hand gripping her waist while the other fisted her curls, pulling her head to the side. His straight aristocratic nose gently grazing along the exposed skin of her neck. Maybe the smell of her vanilla and lavender perfume would drive him wild enough to sample a taste of the soft sensitive skin just below her ear.

The feel of her cheeks heating cut off her torrid thought process, realizing that Draco's hot gaze was still fixed on her she quickly apologized for startling him and mumbled something about making coffee for Harry and herself. Draco's gaze had dropped to the ground but not before she caught the slight curl of his lip at the mention of coffee. He mumbled something about not having to apologize before she watched him leave the lounge. Turning to the countertop, she saw that Draco had left a green coffee mug with a large S on the front. She quickly prepared coffee for both Harry and herself; black for Harry and an obscene amount of sugar and cream for her. Glancing at the mug, she made a spur-of-the-moment decision and decided to grab the mug and deliver it back to Draco.

Hermione gave a quick knock before entering Harry's office. Hermione wondered how Harry was able to find anything in the mess he called a workstation - folders piled high with random papers and notes scattered over the surface. She spots four to-go cups placed in the random spots over the desk, probably placed in the only four spots not covered with case files . Harry himself seemed to be fairing as well as his desk. His glasses were slightly askew, his dark hair ruffled as if he had run his hand through it repeitively,, dark circles stood out prominently against his pale skin. He'd not shaved in a few days as the fair bit of facial hair indicated.

"Harry, when was the last time you left this office?" Hermione asked in a concern.

Harry scratched his chin in contemplation. "I went home for about three hours last night to catch a few hours of sleep but I've been here for the most part. There's a lot of pressure to get this case solved. That's actually why I agreed to let Draco take the lead on the case. Ginny would kill me if I hadn't selected someone to take charge by the end of the day. It's hard to say who is more terrifying, you or her when your ire is caught." Harry took a sip from the coffee Hermione had brought him.

"You made Draco lead auror on the case? Do you think he can handle it?" Hermione asked curiously. She didn't have an opinion one way or the other as she wasn't familiar with his abilities as an auror.

"Well, he practically demanded the position but in the end, it's my choice and I agree with his position on the matter.. He's a great auror, as I have said before, and a hard worker. I don't have any doubts about his ability to solve this case quickly and discreetly." Hermione heard no notes of doubt in his tone. Hermione nodded her head in acceptance.

"Not to change the subject, but have you talked to Ron recently?" Harry asked. The question brought on a flurry of emotions she quickly shut down.

"Not in a few weeks; I try to keep my distance. Honestly, I don't know if we will ever be able to rebuild our friendship. Ron seems to be struggling to accept that I don't want a romantic relationship with him. I don't want to put you in the middle, Harry, so out of respect for you, I have tried to keep my issues with Ron separate.