Jaded (Rewritten)

Chapter Fourteen: Daylight

Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 11:04 A.M.

"Why don't we go to the beach? I mean, we're in the Maldives, aren't we supposed to enjoy the ocean and not just the pool?" Draco asked, his eyes following Hermione as she emerged from the water like a glistening vision.

Hermione wiped the chlorine from her face with the back of her hand and wrinkled her nose. "But it's too hot out there. I don't want to end up being burned," she said, squinting against the midday glare.

"We have potions for that, you know," Draco countered, leaning back on his elbows.

Hermione rolled her eyes before hefting herself out of the water, the droplets catching the light. "You can go. I wouldn't mind," she said, padding across the warm tiles toward one of the sunbeds.

Draco smirked, his gaze playful. "But it wouldn't be fun without you there."

Hermione plopped down and angled herself so she was facing the blonde man lounging on the other side. She grabbed her towel and began drying her arms with brisk, efficient strokes. "Pray tell, why?"

Draco sat up, dangling his legs over the side of his chair. He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. "I think that question is rhetorical, don't you think?" he said, wiggling his brows suggestively.

Hermione's eyes widened as a fierce blush crept up her neck. Without thinking, she balled up her towel and threw it squarely at Draco's face. She averted her gaze, clearly flustered and struggling to find her voice. "You're a pig!"

Draco's laugh was rich and genuine as he caught the towel and settled it on his lap.

"I'm not making out with you at the beach! That is so inappropriate!" Hermione shrieked, her Gryffindor sensibilities finally catching up with her.

"Aha! So that's the reason why you don't want to leave this place—so we can make out?" Draco teased, his grin widening at his victory.

Hermione felt her face turn a shade of red that rivaled a Weasley's hair. She shot up from her perch and began marching away toward the villa without a word.

"Come on, Granger! I'm only kidding!" Draco called out behind her.

"Whatever, Malfoy! Talk to me when your head is out of the gutter!"

Draco chuckled to himself, watching her retreating figure disappear into the house, feeling lighter than he had in years,

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Malfoy Manor – Wiltshire, England – 8:01 A.M.

Theo was just dusting the last of the soot from his trousers when the fireplace roared to life again. He turned, blinking as a tall, sharp-featured figure emerged from the green flames. "Blaise?"

Blaise stepped out of the grate, his expression tight with confusion. "Did Aunt Cissy owl you as well?" he asked, not bothering with pleasantries.

Theo nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Just an hour ago. Do you have any idea why we've been summoned?"

Blaise flicked his wand at his robes, vanishing the soot with a crisp, practiced movement. "I haven't a clue. Is it just us?"

"I think so," Theo replied, looking toward the heavy oak doors.

Crack

The sudden sound made both men jump. A tiny house-elf stood a few steps away, her large eyes darting between them. She curtsied so low her ears brushed the rug. "Mistress is waiting for you in the Sun Room. Mimi will take Masters there now."