Against the Odds

Chapter 2

She absolutely loved it when she was in control. It was a sensation she had craved for so long, especially now that she found herself in this absurd situation—married to him, of all people. The last three weeks had been a lesson in patience, a battle against the oppressive silence that filled Malfoy Manor. But now, with the memory of the rooftop incident fresh in her mind, she felt a spark of mischief ignite within her.

The day after their awkward encounter on the roof, she had noticed a significant change in his behavior. He was roaming the house more frequently, lingering in the very spaces she enjoyed visiting, as if he were trying to avoid her while simultaneously seeking her out. His presence was both infuriating and intriguing, a tension she found herself relishing more than she had expected. There was something deliciously entertaining about the way he would enter a room, only to falter the moment he realized she was there. It was a power dynamic she had never anticipated, and she was determined to take full advantage of it.

From that moment on, Hermione made it her mission to make him as uncomfortable as possible. She relished the thought of it, her spirit buoyed by the idea of reclaiming some agency in this strange new life.

First, she decided to embrace the warmth of the sun—both literally and metaphorically. The next day, she slipped into a light, flowy sundress that hugged her curves in just the right places. It was the kind of dress that fluttered in the breeze, leaving her feeling carefree and confident. As she strolled through the house, she caught glimpses of him out of the corner of her eye, his brows furrowing as he pretended to be engrossed in whatever task he had assigned himself. She relished the power she held over him, the way she could twist and turn their interactions into a game. She had grown fond of toying with him, drawing out every inch of discomfort and frustration that lurked behind his carefully curated facade. Their exchanges were often punctuated by silence, the air thick with an unspoken tension that was both exhilarating and intoxicating.

She could see how he tried to appear indifferent, but the flicker of his gaze gave him away. The way his eyes would dart toward her when he thought she wasn't looking, only to be caught in the act when she turned to face him. Those moments were her favorite, when she would catch him staring, his cheeks betraying him with a faint flush of pink. It was almost too easy, and that only made it more enjoyable.

One afternoon, as she lounged in the sun, draped across a chair in a bikini top and shorts, she noticed him leaning against the doorframe of the study, arms crossed over his chest, a scowl etched on his face. But she could see the way his eyes were drawn to her like a moth to a flame. With a teasing smile playing on her lips, she called out to him, her voice sweet and playful.

"Is something that you want, Malfoy?"

He blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her boldness. "No. Obviously," he replied, his voice tight with irritation.

"Then stop staring," she shot back, feigning innocence, her smile widening as he shifted uncomfortably on his feet.

"Uhm... apologize," he stammered, his composure cracking. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

She loved making him uncomfortable. It was a thrill, knowing she had the ability to unravel him with just a few words. "Oh, don't worry about it," she replied, feigning sincerity. "I'm just enjoying the sun."

As the days rolled into each other, she found new ways to challenge him. The following day, she decided to take a long bath, the warm water enveloping her like a comforting embrace. She left the door slightly ajar, just enough to give him a glimpse if he happened to wander by. And of course, he did. She heard the familiar sound of his footsteps approaching, the hesitant shuffle that made her heart race with excitement.