Beginning at the End ⏃ Dramione

Chapter 16: Acclimate

Hermione lay sideways on her bed, nervously watching as Draco moved closer to her. Though irrational, there was a part of her that thought his singular experience with Pansy Parkinson meant that he was going to be expert-level at anything that might happen next. She worried about looking foolish, or like some anxious puppy, and tried to calm her nerves. It's fine... you can do this, just let him lead and it will be fine. No, it will be wonderful.

It struck her just then, that she had no idea what it would be like. Usually she could visualize what might happen in the future, managing at least a fuzzy likelihood, if nothing better. But now it was a blank canvas. She stared at him as he got closer, becoming more and more anxious, until he touched her. It was soothing and she felt reassured that everything was going to be fine.

Draco gently placed his hand on her back as he leaned in to kiss her. Hermione reciprocated, running her fingers through his hair again and down the back of his neck. She wondered if he would ever tire of her doing that, and hoped he wouldn't. All of her nerves simultaneously switched from panic to desire and she kissed him harder. In only moments, she was acutely aware of wanting him so obviously, Is this too aggressive, are we moving too quickly? There was something about being secluded in the tent, away from the rest of the world, which allowed her to let go of her usual inhibitions. But then, Draco made her feel that way in general, absolving any pretense of formality.

As their kissing intensified, Hermione found herself creeping up Draco's shirt again. He instantly began to help her until he remembered something, "I hate to slow your advances, but I think I need to take off my medallion before it gets lost."

Pausing to think, she remembered something in her purse, grabbed it, and produced a small music box. "Here, it's empty and there's a small latch that will keep it closed."

He began to take off his necklace, though Hermione could only see something snag at his ear as he pulled it over his head. Deciding she should take hers off as well, she carefully placed it in the box along with his for safekeeping.

Clearly wanting to get back into the moment, Draco peeled his shirt off. Hesitantly, Hermione did the same. He scanned her quickly and moved in close again, pushing her onto her back and slowly pressing kisses from her neck all the way down to her waist where her jeans began, hoping to continue where they had left off the last time. He paused before peeking up at her in an unspoken request. She nodded slightly in response.

Hermione was incredibly nervous, as this was definitely something she had never done before. What was she to do while he was... down there? Her thoughts began to swirl with questions, What if he doesn't like what he sees? Should I help? Is he enjoying this? Is he as nervous as me?

He slowly undid the button on her jeans before pulling down on the zipper, glancing up at every move as if to gauge her reaction. She could tell he was trying to exude confidence, and she might have fallen for it if not for the bobbing of his adam's apple that gave his nerves away. She wondered if he knew that about himself. Either way, it made her feel better that she was not the only one feeling slightly insecure.

He slid her pants down, removing them completely and taking a moment to study her newly exposed legs before moving back up to kiss her lips. She was glad to have him back near her, as it made her shy to see him look at her that way. Meanwhile, Draco had pressed himself against her, his hands exploring her exposed hips and her lower back.

Feeling like she needed to say something in an attempt to hide her nervousness, she teased, "I see your condition is back."

"I'm certain there's a cure..." Draco grinned, grabbing her hip harder as he slid his hand down the back of her thigh. She wrapped her leg around him as he groaned.