Chapter Text
Draco instinctually adjusted his cuffs, his gaze fixed on the bustling Ministry atrium as he cooly leaned against the second floor balcony that looked out to the floor below.
He had a job to do and it had nothing to do with his profession of Hit Auror for the DMLE, of which he was Team Leader of the Alpha Squad.
In his mind, today's mission was his true life's work: keeping Hermione Granger safe, carefree and profoundly happy in the wreckage of the post-war world. Absolutely nothing would stop him from being successful in his mission if he could help. He spoke to her—or, rather, would speak to her—as if they had been in love for lifetimes. They were meant to be, after all. He knew it, his friends all knew it. All that was lacking was for her to finally acknowledge the inevitability of it, publicly. But even without her public acknowledgment, he knew the truth: She wanted him. She wanted this.
All he had to do was continue to push forward, show her how much better her life would be if she allowed it and then finally claim her heart, body and soul.
Step one had required a fascinating Muggle device called a cell phone, followed immediately by the acquisition of her phone number. For that, he had deployed his top secret weapon: Theodore Nott. Theo, known for being the biggest man-whore in Great Britain, had been tasked with charming the digits right out of her. Draco hadn't felt a single pang of jealousy, not one. And if he had, he certainly wouldn't admit to it, thank you very much. Besides, he knew deep down Theo only had eyes for a certain bespectacled, messy haired git named Harry Potter. Theo was merely using the Malfoy crusade as a stepping stone, hoping that befriending Hermione would lead to an introduction to Potter. A mutual benefit, really. And so far, his efforts had more than paid off.
Number acquired and strategic lookout position established, it was time for some fun.
Draco typed out his first message, his fingers surprisingly steady over the somewhat unfamiliar keypad.
Draco: You look beautiful today, Hermione. You know how much I love you in that blue dress, don’t you, darling? If you were trying to please me, mission accomplished.
From his vantage point, he watched her sitting at the little café table across the atrium, eating lunch with Potter and Theo. Lucky little shit, getting to be so close to my witch, Draco thought, watching Theo laugh at something she said. No matter. He would bide his time, she would allow him out of the shadows soon enough. When she did, he would take her somewhere proper for lunch. Somewhere infinitely better than this dreary Ministry cafeteria. Every single day, if she wished.
He would portkey them straight to France; there was a bistro in Paris he just knew she would adore. They offered the most delectable strawberries and cream. He could picture her licking the juice from her fingers after biting into one of the berries and had to stop himself before he got too invested in the thought of seeing her pretty little lips wrapped around the fruit and refocus on his mission.
Yes, wonderful idea, Draco, he thought, a pleased smirk touching his lips. She will be absolutely thrilled with your efforts.
His phone buzzed, shattering his reverie.
Hermione: Who is this?
Draco smiled, typing back immediately on the tiny keyboard he had finally mastered.
Draco: Hello, my sweet girl. How is your day going? Did you find the package I left on your desk this morning?
Hermione: Fuck off. And don't come back to my office. I've changed my wards and you won't get in again. They are much nastier this time.
Hermione: Actually, do try. I used a new spell of my own creation for one of them—old Snakeface himself would have been envious.
Fuck. Draco shifted uncomfortably, adjusting his trousers. His thumb flew across the screen to quickly reply.
Draco: Your vindictive side is so delicious, love. Must you tease me?
Hermione: Wtf is wrong with you??
Draco: Concerned for me?
Hermione: Concerned you aren't all there. Who are you?
Draco: You know who I am. Don't play coy, darling.
Hermione: I have no idea who you are. I should report you and let the Aurors deal with you.
Draco watched her from across the room, seeing the defensive lift of her chin as she stared at her screen. He smirked.
Draco: Ah, but we both know you won't. Tell Theo I said hello.
****
Hermione stared down at her phone, confused and feeling a little wrong footed. She looked around the ministry cafe to see if anyone was looking her way. Everyone around the little seating area was involved in their own meals or conversations and paid her no regard.
"Theo?"
"Yes, love?"
"Do you know what a cell phone is? It's Muggle."
"I do" Theo said simply. He grinned slipping a hand into his front jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek phone to show her the proof.
Surprised, she studied his face to see—well, she wasn't really sure what she would find there but he seemed genuine. She shook her head slightly, trying to puzzle out what was happening in her life these days. She had just been reintroduced to Theo Nott a few weeks ago when he randomly came into her office and after a bit of small talk asked if they could be friends. Wanting to bridge the gap between both sides of the war she had agreed but was reserved at first, thinking it could be a trick. After just a few conversations she relaxed around him however. It didn't take much to see he was a decent person and was surprisingly quite lovely. A bit clingy perhaps, and he overstepped a little but he came across as harmless and he was great at making her feel comfortable and welcomed. It also didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes although she got the impression he would be more interested in her wizard friends than her. Still, he was very pretty.
Harry had seemed to be getting along with him remarkably well. In fact, she had even overheard them talking earlier about a potential movie night at Potter Cottage this weekend. If the vibes she was picking up were correct, Harry mostly just wanted to get into Theo's trousers. Post-war life, combined with a final breakup with Ginny, had turned Harry into a massive tease to witches and wizards alike so this wasn't surprising.
"Do you recognize this number by chance? I believe it's a wizard but I don't know who it could be. They mentioned you specifically in a text."
Theo took her phone in hand and scanned the screen with slightly furrowed brows before his face split into a grin and he tossed his head back and laughed a booming laugh.
Startled by his sudden outburst, Hermione shot a wide eyed look across the table at Harry, hoping he had an answer before she made to take her phone back from Theo.
"Ahhh," Theo sighed happily wiping a stray tear of amusement that had formed in the corner of his eye. "That fucker actually did it. About time, really."
Noticing her bewildered look he added, "No need to worry darling. He's mostly harmless."
"Who is it, Theo?" Harry asked, voice edged with concern.
Theo looked from Hermione to Harry, his lips tipping up at the corners. He huffed a final laugh, stood up from the table and gave them a casual wave as he walked away, still grinning like a lunatic.
Harry stared after him. "What the blood hell was that??"
"Harry, I have no idea."