Broken

The City of Love

'You brought me to Paris?!' Hermione whispered to Draco, as the wizard examined their passports.

'What? Is it too much?' Draco ran his hands through his hair, his eyes darting around, looking at anything but Hermione.

'No! It's...incredible. I'm just a little stunned!'

'Welcome to France, Madame Weasley,' the wizard smiled at Hermione, passing her documents back and gesturing for her to continue.

Hermione grinned giddily, shoving the passport into her bag with trembling fingers. She walked past his desk, eagerly looking through the glass to the park outside.

'Non. Not you. Step zis way Monsieur Malfoy,' the wizard snapped out, his lip curling as he looked Draco up and down.

Hermione turned to see Draco being pushed through a door, which slammed shut behind them. She hurried after him, but ran into a shielding spell, keeping her on the French side of the border.

'Bugger.'

*****

'Hermione, I just don't have the jurisdiction...'

'Dammit, Harry!' She shrieked down the phone. 'I'm meant to be on a date! In Paris! Not sat in immigration! Fix it!'

'I'll...make a few calls...?'

'Thank you,' she sighed, flopping onto the chair she had conjured. 'Are the kids behaving?'

'Of course they are!' A loud crash reverberated through the phone. 'I...uh, better go...I'll let you know what I find out about Malfoy.'

*****

The chair had been changed to a squishy beanbag, bringing Hermione closer to the socket her phone was plugged into. Cursing the short wire, she wriggled to make herself more comfortable. The movement tugged the headphones out, catching on her earring.

'Oh for fucks sake,' she growled.

'That's not very ladylike,' a voice drawled, as a shadow fell over her.

'I don't feel particularly ladylike right now,' she grumbled, scowling up at Draco. 'D'ya think they'll know it's me if I hex 'em?'

'Hmm, I think they'd suspect me, so...I'd rather you didn't, if that's ok...?'

'Fine. Help me up?'

Draco heaved her to her feet, helping her pack everything back into her tiny handbag,

'You should've gone on without me, explored Paris, instead of being stuck here.'

'Bit hard to go on a date by myself.'

'I guess.' Draco sighed, looking out at the dusky gardens, cast in shadows. 'Not that we've much date left.'

'Then let's get going!' Hermione slipped her hand into his and pulled him towards the exit.

They stepped through a wrought-iron archway into a beautiful park. Torches were spluttering into life along the path, lighting the curving trails. In the distance, the Eiffel Tower was lit up against the deep-blue sky. Hermione sighed contentedly, leaning against Draco as his arm wrapped around her.

'Shall we?' He whispered, leaning against her.

'Lead on, Monsieur,' Hermione smiled, reaching up on her tiptoes to drop a kiss on his cheek.

*****

'That was...so beautiful,' Hermione gushed, her eyes sparkling as they stepped out of the library and into the street. 'I could stay there all day!'

'Next time,' Draco smiled, savouring the joy in her face. 'We'll get there in the morning, so you can. Sorry it was so close to closing...'

Hermione grabbed the front of his shirt, and pulled him to her. Pressing her lips against his, she cut him off mid-sentence. She could feel his lips curve into a smile as his arms wrapped around her.

'Well then,' he gasped. 'Dinner?'

'Mais oui!'

They strolled along the streets, stopping in pretty shops with enticing aromas.

Draco launched into a long discussion in French with the owner of a wine shop. Once they left, Draco carrying a bottle of wine in a paper bag, Hermione dragged him into an alleyway and kissed him soundly.

'What was that for?' Draco looked dazed.

'You speak French?!'

'I...I had a classical education...'

'It's really hot,' she announced, and kissed him again.

*****

They found a secluded grove among the trees in the park. The stars shone brightly above them, a stream trickling lazily nearby. Hermione conjured floating balls of soft light as Draco spread a picnic blanket on the grass, pulling a pair of plates and wine glasses out of Hermione's bag. He lay out the crunchy baguettes, a selection of meats and cheeses, and the variety of pastries and chocolates they had chosen. Digging in the depths of the little bag, he pulled out a jar of local honey and creamy butter.

'This is absolutely wonderful,' Hermione smiled, clinking her glass against his. 'Thank you so much.'

'You're very welcome,' he smirked, his cheeks pink. 'Best date you've ever been on?'

'It's not a competition!'

'But it is the best...right?'

'Without a doubt!'

'Knew it.'

'Oh shut up and pass me the cheese!'

*****

They were so engrossed in each other, neither of them noticed the dark clouds rolling in.

Hermione was lay with her head on Draco's chest, listening to the beat of his heart. A heavy drop of rain plopped onto her nose, quickly followed by several more.

'Oh shit!'

They scrambled to their feet, wrapping the remains of the picnic and shoving it into her bag. Dashing under the trees, the branches provided scant cover from the downpour. They were soon soaked, their hair plastered to their faces.

Laughing, Hermione raised her face to the sky and closed her eyes, feeling the rivulets run down her face. Draco watched in wonderment as she ran into the clearing, twirling and splashing in the storm.

'Dance with me!' Hermione gasped, her arms outstretched towards him.

'There's no music!'

'So?!'

'You're crazy!'

The rain hammered down as they waltzed and spun together. Draco led her around the clearing, the grass squelching beneath their feet. Slipping slightly, he dipped her elegantly, then pulled her tight against him.

'I love you,' he whispered.

'I love you too.'

Fin