Between Snakes and Love (Dramione | One-shot)

Between Snakes and Love

Entre Serpents et Amours

- Between Snakes and Love -

Hermione, her heart racing in her chest, eagerly anticipated reuniting with her sweetheart in their shared apartment. She had just completed the stack of work awaiting her at the Ministry of Magic, her limbs heavy with fatigue. With a quick wave of her wand, she swapped outfits, a small smile curling on her lips. She wanted to surprise him. The shimmering navy dress glided over Hermione Granger's graceful curves. The fluid fabric brushed her skin with an enchanting softness, elegantly and sensually accentuating her figure.

The fitted bodice embraced the delicacy of her waist, while the plunging neckline exposed her satin skin. Eyes sparkling with excitement, Hermione only looked up when Cormac's voice, devouring her with his gaze, echoed through the Ministry corridors. Her cheeks flushed, she lifted the flowing skirt that cascaded around her and headed toward the fireplace room. Avoiding the insistent gaze directed at her, Hermione briefly greeted Cormac McLaggen, her features tense, and grabbed the green floo powder.

"Hermione," the young man called out, rushing toward her, breathless.

"Cormac," she replied, feeling uneasy.

Was he going to ask her to do another report on the benefits of Dragon magical glands? She stiffened at the thought of not being able to join Ron. She had a big evening ahead, and she couldn't imagine staying late to lighten her colleague's sly mind.

Silence weighed in the room, and Hermione, on edge, scanned her surroundings, hoping to find an exit and escape from any responsibility encroaching on her personal life.

McLaggen, his hair tousled from frantic grabbing, offered her a small, contrite smile. He shifted from one foot to the other, as if unsure how to broach a topic that would inevitably cause embarrassment. Hermione, her features frozen, forced herself to speak to put an end to this painfully awkward exchange.

"Did you need my expertise for a file, Mr. Cormac?"

Her colleague remained motionless, his face beet red.

"No, no," he stammered. Running a hand over his shirt to straighten his tie, he regained his composure. "Miss Granger, you've dressed up nicely tonight, you're... stunning. I wouldn't dream of keeping you from enjoying your romantic evening with Mr. Weasley by adding more work."

Uncomfortable, Hermione struggled to find a response. With hesitation, she murmured a weak "thank you," hoping this exchange would end. As her colleague still didn't move, she quickly added:

"I have an evening waiting for me, Mr. Cormac. Thank you for allowing me to finish early. Have a good evening."

McLaggen, snapping out of his daze, extended a hand toward her, his breath still labored.

"Good evening, Miss Granger. I hope Ron Weasley knows how lucky he is to have you by his side."

With a small, strained laugh, Hermione raised her palm, still dusted with floo powder, nodded politely, and focused on her destination, disappearing from the Ministry of Magic with a flick of her fingers.

______________________________________________

Sitting on the doorstep of her shared apartment with Ron, Hermione twisted her fingers nervously. She rummaged for her keys, breathless. She couldn't understand why she felt so agitated. It had been three years since she and Ron became a couple. They had moved in together less than eight months ago, and Hermione felt like she was living a dream. Between her success at the Ministry and her peaceful relationship with her boyfriend, she often floated on cloud nine.