Broken

Travelling

'Can't you just give me a little clue?!' Hermione called from the bathroom, a note of panic in her voice.

'Nope!' Ginny shouted back as she rifled through Hermione's wardrobe. 'He wanted it to be a surprise and I'm not going to spoil his fun.'

'No way, I can't wear that,' Hermione pulled a face at the rockabilly dress Ginny waved at her.

'Try it on.'

Grumbling, Hermione slipped into the red dress, smoothing the polka-dot skirt with shaky hands.

'See, it just...doesn't fit right!' Hermione fidgeted with the halter-neck ties, trying to adjust it.

'How does that not fit?!' Ginny hauled her in front of the mirror. 'Look at you! It shows off those post-pregnancy boobs perfectly!'

'Ginny!' Hermione shrieked, scandalised.

'You're going on a date. You're supposed to celebrate your assets. Now stay still while I accessorise.'

After cinching in Hermione's waist with a black belt, and adding tastefully understated jewellery, Ginny proclaimed her ready.

'Ready for what though?!'

'That's for me to know and you to find out,' Ginny teased. 'Heels or flats? Which are you most comfortable in?'

'Definitely flats. Are you sure about this?'

'The dress or the date?'

'Both?'

'Definitely. Now go do your makeup while I pack your handbag.'

'Pack? What do you need to pack?!'

'Stop fishing for clues!'

*****

Hermione perched on the edge of her sofa, trying to focus on the TV. Ginny lounged next to her, playing games on her phone.

The doorbell rang.

'Oh my god. He's here.' Hermione whispered, ashen.

'Merlin's beard, chill!' Ginny rolled her eyes and heaved Hermione off the sofa. 'Answer it then!' She shoved her towards the door.

Draco stood on the doorstep, a bouquet of wild flowers in his hands. Although it was a warm day, he wore long sleeves. The smart jacket covered the scarred remnants of the Dark Mark on his forearm.

'Wow, you look...Wow.' He stuttered, his cheeks flushing a pale pink. 'Um, me and Scorpius picked these for you this morning.'

'They're beautiful, thank you! Come in, I'll just put them in water.'

Ginny caught her eye and gave her a thumbs up, gesturing appreciatively at Draco. Hermione flapped a hand at her in a shushing motion.

Glancing at Draco as he stood by the fireplace, Hermione admired his slender, athletic build. The curves of his muscles were hidden under his cream shirt and grey jacket, but Hermione found herself remembering him emerging shirtless from the Hogwarts lake. Blushing, Hermione ducked into the kitchen.

'They're already at The Burrow,' Ginny was saying when she reappeared. 'Harry picked them up this morning. Is Scorpius with your mother?'

'Yeah, they've gone to visit Andromeda and Teddy. He'll be happy Rose isn't here, he was very cross that I might see her and he wouldn't!'

'Aww, I'll send Andromeda a message and see if they want to come over!'

'The Malfoy's at The Burrow?' Hermione teased, 'now that I'd pay to see.'

'Scorpius would love it!' Ginny protested, grinning.

'But can you imagine mother?!' Draco laughed. 'All that noise? All those Weasleys?!'

'What's wrong with the Weasleys?!' Ginny frowned, her eyes narrowing dangerously

'Nothing! But she's a little scared of your mother. And totally bemused by your father. Hold off on the invite until I can be there to see her face. Please?!'

'Deal,' Ginny agreed, mollified. 'Don't you two have a date to go on? Bugger off outta here!'

'Shall we?' Draco bowed to Hermione.

She giggled and placed her hand delicately on the proffered forearm.

With a sharp crack, he apparated them away.

*****

'The Ministry? Why are we here?'

Draco smirked at her, silently leading the way through the tiled hallways. They walked under a large archway and joined a line of witches and wizards.

'The International Floo Network?!' Hermione craned her next to see the desk at the end of the line, where two bored wizards were searching bags and checking passports. 'Where are we going?!'

The queue inched forwards, until it was finally their turn. Draco handed the wizard their passports and tickets, with a piece of parchment stuck to the top. Hermione saw "it's a surprise!" in Draco's elegant script as he passed it over. The wizard read the note, then nodded smilingly to Draco.

Hermione gave him her handbag, hoping Ginny hadn't packed anything embarrassing. The wizard shone his wand into the depths, then gave it back.

'Have a nice day,' the wizard smiled, passing the documents back to Draco. 'You want the furthest left.'

'How did you get my passport?'

'Ginny. Duh.'

They joined another queue, leading to one of many large fireplaces. Each one had different coloured bricks. Theirs was blue and yellow, indicating they were travelling within the European Wizarding Union.

A witch by the fireplace checked their passports and tickets, then gestured for them to step into the hearth.

Draco threw the tickets onto the ground, and they burst into green flames. The flames grew, crackling like a warm breeze around them. With a sudden lurch, the Ministry dropped out of sight. Hermione felt as though she was spinning, and closed her eyes tightly.

After a seemingly endless length of time, they jerked to a halt. Draco helped her step out of the fireplace and into a bright, airy room. The walls were all glass, showing a beautiful park outside.

They stepped up to another desk and handed over their documents once more.

Hermione gasped as she read the giant sign, in scrolling font above the wizard -

Bienvenue à Paris