This Time, Together (A Dramione Story)

6.) The Stubborn But Sweet Gryffindor

Draco's POV:

It's been a week since he bumped into his good friend Hermione Granger. And all those days, she never left his side. Instead, the stubborn but sweet Gryffindor accompanies him even in sleep.

And it has become his new hobby to watch her while she sleeps peacefully. She would clutch her petite hands on his shirt like he planned to leave her side. It makes him want to protect her from all her nightmares, even when she's awake.

He tightened his arms around her petite frame and buried his head in her gorgeous mane, taking in her unique scent. His ex-girlfriend had never smelled this amazing to him.

Only Hermione. His sweet tea.

~~~•••~~~

Draco focused on making pancakes when he felt Hermione's presence as she set the table for two. She then turned the CD player on, and soft music played from the living room to the kitchen.

He fought the urge to laugh and tease the Gryffindor princess. She was being sappy.

But he loved it, though he would never admit it to her. She'll never let him live it down.

"Setting the mood, Granger?" He teased before he could stop himself.

"Oh, hush, you. You do like this music, too." She said with a laugh in her voice.

Westlife's songs started playing, and he had to admit the Irish band had a talent for singing and making good music.

He chuckled, saw the beautiful witch smiling at him, and returned.

The days they spend together are much better than their days at Hogwarts as Head boy and Head girl. And that is because no one was around to judge them for being together under one roof.

Draco and Hermione were still laughing about Finnegan's yet another disastrous attempt at learning a spell when they heard someone clearing her throat at the end of the stairs.

They stopped talking and saw Astoria by the foot of the stairs of the Head's house they shared.

They are already sharing a look of annoyance at his girlfriend's growing habit of keeping his friends away from him.

"Having a good morning now, are we Head girl? Glad you could be a worthy companion to our Head boy here." She sauntered towards him while never taking her eyes off his good friend.

"I'm sure your morning will much better with us at the Slytherin table, Dray." She smiled her usual saccharine smile, which looked irritating.

"Sure he will," Hermione answered, almost snorting. He wanted to grin at the apparent insult, but he just nodded toward her and saw Ron, Harry, and Ginny walking toward his friend.

"Good morning, 'Mione." Harry greeted the intelligent Gryffindor as Ron gave his girlfriend a chaste kiss. Ginny hugged her best friend.

The three Gryffindors nodded towards him, which he returned. Ron placed his arm around Hermione protectively while staring at his girlfriend with sharp eyes.

Draco couldn't blame him. Astoria started acting bitchy when he moved out of the Slytherin house when he became the head boy.

He silently stirred his girlfriend to walk to the Great hall before she could breathe another word.

Draco sighed as breakfast with his housemates felt such a drag. He would have already lost his appetite if not for Blaise and Pansy.

His eyes found his excellent friend Hermione with her housemates and friends laughing softly.

Draco wondered then how it would feel to have breakfast with the Gryffindors. He saw them laughing while eating their breakfast.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts and focused on flipping the pancakes. The aroma filled the kitchen, making his stomach growl. Hermione glanced over at him with a mischievous smile.

"Hermione Granger, are you hungry?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

She smirked back at him. "Well, the delicious scent of these pancakes might have something to do with it," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Draco chuckled as she walked closer to him, his eyes twinkled with amusement. "I knew it. You can't resist my cooking," he said playfully.

Hermione rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the fondness in her gaze as she looked at him. "Fine, Malfoy, your culinary skills are impressive," she admitted, earning a satisfied grin and a wink from him.

As they sat down to eat, the soft music continued to play in the background. They chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company. Draco couldn't help but notice how comfortable and at ease he felt with Hermione. It starkly contrasted their time at Hogwarts, when they were constantly at odds.

He watched Hermione take a bite of the pancakes, her eyes closing briefly as she savored the taste. Her genuine delight made him feel a surge of happiness. Moments like these made him grateful for the chance encounter that brought them back together.

Their relationship had evolved over the years. First, they went from enemies to reluctant allies; now, they were more than friends. They had both grown and changed, leaving behind the prejudices and animosity of their youth. Instead, they had found solace and understanding in each other, forming a bond that Draco never thought possible.

Draco reached across the table and took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. Hermione looked at him in surprise but smiled warmly. "What's this for?" she asked softly.

He shrugged, unable to find the right words. "Just... appreciating this moment, I guess," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.

She squeezed his hand gently, understanding the unspoken sentiment behind his gesture. They continued eating in comfortable silence; the music providing a soothing backdrop to their shared meal.