Beginning at the End ⏃ Dramione

Chapter 21: Possession

Hermione froze, staring at Harry for the comment. How could he know if Draco was in love with her? Was it from his behavior? Or hers? What had given it away? She nearly argued back, but was saved a lot of explaining when Harry continued, "When we left the manor without you, Ron- he spiraled into despair."

Closing her eyes, relief flooded her, He meant Ron. She took a deep breath, and tried to act naturally when she responded, "I'm sorry, Harry, he had his chance and I just don't feel the same way now."

She approached the table where she had left her bag, retrieving the serum, holding it up toward the fire light to observe the brewing process.

"It's not ready, but it's nearly there. Maybe tomorrow... I told Ron that you two should write up some questions to ask Draco. He's willing to answer enough for about 30 minutes of serum. Will that be sufficient for you?"

Hermione sensed by Harry's passive nodding, he was wary not to argue, which he did so often when they were in school, especially after a row with Ron, or anyone for that matter.

"Are there other rooms? Somewhere for me and Draco to sleep?"

Hermione could tell that it irked Harry to hear her calling him 'Draco', and for a second, she contemplated how she had worded the request. It almost sounded as if they would be sleeping together. She had to be more careful.

"There's one more room upstairs. Maybe Malfoy wouldn't mind the couch in the den."

She nodded in approval, understanding why he would suggest that Draco should take the farthest room away from them to stay in.

Placing the vial of serum down on the table, Hermione strayed over toward the kitchen, "If you haven't eaten, I can make something. It's late here, but we're off schedule. We were in a different time zone."

Harry perked up, pleading, "Hermione, please make something. We've been eating out of cans for the last few days."

They both smiled. It was refreshing to be with Harry. There was a clean and uncomplicated friendship there and she appreciated it.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

She walked over to the den to find Draco lounging on the couch, hands behind his head, "Oh good, you've made yourself comfortable. That's your bed."

He peeked up at her, "Yes, I figured I'd be shunned away from Gryffindor Tower. The lower level suits me."

Hermione smiled softly, "I told Harry and Ron to think up some questions to ask you. The serum should hopefully be done tomorrow."

Draco studied her. She was different now, focused and on her game. As her leadership persona beamed through, he wondered if the affectionate Hermione from the tent would be gone from here on out. There was a hint of distance between them now, as if they were never lovers, only soldiers.

"I'm going to cook something. No one seems to know how to use the ingredients in the pantry. Will you come out to eat with us?"

Draco exhaled, "If that is what you want."

Hermione only raised her eyebrows in response, he was clever enough to know that she wanted them to get along, or at least try. She then turned to walk back to the kitchen, trying to think of something she could make with what was available. She found enough items to make bread from scratch, though it would have to make-do without a rising agent. That, coupled with other limitations, made her decide to make flatbread and rice, along with whatever type of canned items she could mix together. When she had a moment's break, she went outside to add more enchantments over the safehouse, figuring that if they needed to, they could cast a few spells now, though nothing was going to make dinner taste any better.