Hunter and Prey

Hermione nodded off while Draco made arrangements for his parents’ surprise trip. He was confident Narcissa would embrace the chance to get away for a while. She had previously suggested a holiday but Lucius had refused, too sunk in melancholy to do anything. That would hopefully change with the memory charm and leave Malfoy junior to manipulate unencumbered by his father’s presence.

Draco looked down at the muggle-born witch as she dozed. She had transfigured herself a blouse and slacks, explaining that she had left everything at her house for investigation. The clothing didn’t suit her, the shirt riding up to show the curve of her stomach. The third reason he was helping her reared itself and he scowled.

There were ways around it of course. Nothing in the wizarding world was immutable. The old prejudices were still there but this was a time of opportunity where a bold wizard could make his mark. He would be a fool to give up this chance. Did he have the nerve to grasp the nettle? All those trite phrases hammered at him. Draco was uncertain. So he woke her and escorted her back to the Black home, suitably disguised.

Potter was waiting there for them. Malfoy made sure he got a good look at him with his arm around Granger. The gesture was no more than steadying her over the steep lintel, nothing of significance, but he held the witch a little too long just to pay the Auror back for his harassment. Then he disengaged and began pulling her shopping out of his bag. The sound of Potter’s teeth grinding was quite audible.

“Have you found anything?” Hermione asked as soon as she saw Harry. His face was grim. He shook his head tersely.

“Not yet. I brought you some things.” Harry held up a suitcase. She went to him, gave him a one-armed hug because her stomach got in the way and took the case. Hermione caught his expression and sighed.

“You’re tired. I know the baby must be keeping you and Ginny up. Thanks for the stuff.” She gave him an excuse to go. Harry stood his ground, grudge beating sleep deprivation hands down.

“Hello, Malfoy.” He said crisply. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“No, Harry.” Hermione intruded before her friend got up to speed in his interrogation. “Just no.”

Draco took his moment, gave her a parting smile and slipped out the door before Potter could arrest him for ‘existence likely to cause a breach of the peace’. Discretion was definitely the better part of valour for a Slytherin. Harry levelled a severe look at Hermione.

“Angelina saw you and Malfoy in Diagon Alley. She told George. George told Molly. Molly told Ginny and Ginny told me.” He let his breath out. “Now I’d like you to tell me why.”

“You’ve got to love the Weasley grapevine.” Hermione supposed she should not be surprised with that bloody joke shop reopened in the Alley. The various Wheezes had never given her so much as a titter. She didn’t like practical jokes and her life was beginning to feel like one. “There’s no why about it. He was lonely and I was bored and we both just wanted to think about other things for a while.”

“I don’t trust him.” Harry didn’t want to badger her. He wasn’t the only one looking tired. He had instantly assumed the worst when Ginny told him what her sister-in-law had seen. Then his Auror training kicked in. Malfoy had not been behaving suspiciously during Hermione’s abduction and if he wanted to hurt her, he would not be shopping with her in sight of half the witches in London.

“We don’t know him.” Hermione responded judiciously, gathering her shopping. “We knew a boy we didn’t like a school.” She headed upstairs to change into something more comfortable. Harry followed her, not willing to leave it at that.

“He’s still a slimy bastard.” He held the bedroom door open for Hermione then sat down on the bed. “Ginny said Angelina saw him talking to a reporter. Care to share?” He kept his eyes on the ceiling as she changed. After their seventh year there was no shame between them but he wasn’t going to look at a naked witch who wasn’t his wife. “He’s up to something.”

Hermione told Harry all about the Cunning Plan as she shed transfigured clothing and slid into a lounging robe. It felt lovely, drifting about her like a soft breeze. She had bought robes in ash green, slate blue and dove grey. Useful neutralised colours that would coordinate with her existing wardrobe and look good on a hazel-eyed brunette, helping to ameliorate the fact she was essentially wearing a muumuu.

Harry listened then put an arm around her when she sat down beside him. “It might work.” He conceded reluctantly. “You have to do something. It was bad enough for Remus and he was afflicted not born with the curse. Teddy is going to cop some of that crap too.” He kicked the bed and swore. “Malfoy’s using you.”

“I know. And I told him I know.” Hermione patted his hand on her shoulder. “But Snape trusts him, which should be endorsement enough for anyone. I believed Draco when he said he wants to settle a score with the werewolf.”

“Draco, is it?” Harry teased. She pushed him playfully off the bed. “Alright then, we’ll do this thing. Its not as though we’re risking anyone we like. Ginny is going to laugh herself hoarse.” He looked at her seriously. “Ron is going to be ropeable. He’s already sent me a parliament of owls demanding to know where you are.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Hermione asked flatly. Harry shook his head. Ron had done enough damage already. “I’m not doing this to get back at him.” She smirked. “But I’ll quietly gloat as he suffers.” With a shrug, she added. “So home and give my best to Ginny.”

“See you later, Mrs Malfoy.” Harry grinned and Apparated before she could lob a pillow at him.