The Rules of Engagement

The Rules of Engagement

Chapter 4 - Date with Draco
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Hermione had just made it back to her room Friday afternoon, when there was a knock at the door. She walked over to the door grumbling. Why was someone bothering her now? She had to get ready to go out with Draco tonight. Opening the door, she was faced with her date for the evening. Draco wore his usual smug sneer in case anyone saw him, but as soon as she closed the door, his face broke out in a genuine smile.

“Bit early, aren’t you?” Hermione complained.

“Classes are over for the day. I, Luv, am right on time,” Draco said, as he embraced her and spun her around in a little dance, making her laugh.

“Draco, I’m not ready yet, I just got here.”

“You look as beautiful as always and you are dressed perfectly. Our first stop is Madam Malkin’s for a new set of dress robes for you,” Draco said.

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, really. I am taking you to one of the most expensive restaurants on Diagon Alley and you simply must be dressed properly,” Draco said on a mockingly haughty tone. For the first time, Hermione noticed he was already in a set of midnight blue dress robes, looking even more handsome than usual.

“Alright. At least let me comb my hair though,” Hermione said with a giggle. When she had tamed her curls, as much as possible, she grabbed her outer cloak and they left her rooms, going to the Headmaster’s office to travel by floo to the Leaky Caldron.

After they had cast cleansing charms on each other, Draco put Hermione’s hand through his arm and lead her out back to the entrance to Diagon Alley.

“I won’t be able to be as free with you as I would like, Hermione. I have a feeling father will be keeping tabs on us,” Draco said, in a low calm voice. Hermione turned concerned eyes to him, but he patted her hand. “Don’t worry. I asked Snape to follow us tonight, just in case.”

Hermione found herself only somewhat relieved. Snape was going to be following them around? That seemed odd . . . and yet, oddly comforting at the same time.

Soon, they were in Madam Malkin’s and Draco had selected several very expensive robes for her to try on. But it was the third one, that brought an unguarded smile to him lips. It was a beautiful silk and chiffon under dress in a deep burgundy with matching satin trim. The robe part was the same silk hanging in heavy drapes off of each shoulder. Hermione felt like a princess in the regal garment.

“That is the one. You look absolutely exquisite, my dear,” Draco said, as he drew her hand to his lips. “I have an errand to run, while the robe is fitted for you.” Then he addressed the sales girl in a condescending manner, “She will need shoes, an outer cloak and handbag. All to be charged to the Malfoy account. I shall return presently.”

Hermione watched, as the sales girl sped into action and Draco stalked away. He acted so much like his father in public, that at times it made her want to laugh out loud, but if Lucius were watching them, that would not be a good idea.

Hermione stood, being fitted and fussed over for half an hour or so. When she was allowed to look back into the mirror, she could barely believe the contrast. The under dress fit perfectly, molding to the swell of her bust and the curve of her waist, then flared softly from her hips. While looking at herself, she briefly wondered what Snape thought, as he had surely been watching her with Draco gone. Would the older man think the neckline too daring? Or would he like seeing her soft flesh on display?

“I see you are almost ready,” Draco’s voice came from behind her. She turned around and flashed him a coy smile.

“Almost?”

“Sit down here,” he instructed, placing a chair in front of the mirror. Hermione did as he asked and watched, as he pulled a small bag from his pocket. Fascinated, she saw him pull a set of tortoise shell combs out of the bag. He then pulled each side of her hair back with his fingers and held it in place with the comb, exposing her neck and décolletage. Draco then handed her a box of black velvet.

“What’s this?” Hermione asked, looking at him through the mirror. He leaned down and put his lips to her ear, whispering ‘open it’. Curiosity getting the better of her, she opened the box and gasped. Looking back at Draco’s reflection, she saw him smile, then reach down and pull the object from the box.

“I would say this completes the outfit,” Draco said, as he fastened the necklace. Hermione stared at herself in the mirror, watching the light make the jewels sparkle. The necklace had a good size square cut ruby in the center, a fair size diamond on either side and smaller rubies next to those. She could see why he had pulled back her hair, as her curls now framed the jewels, instead of hiding them.

“Draco . . . it’s . . .” Hermione just could not find the words.

“It is not nearly as grand as you deserve, but it was the best I could find on short notice,” Draco said fairly loudly. She imagined it was for the benefit of anyone listening. “Come, we should go.”

Hermione shrunk the bundle containing the clothes she wore in and placed it in her new purse. Draco wrapped her new black wool satin trimmed cloak around her shoulders. Then he held out his arm for her and they walked out into Diagon Alley.

The walk to the restaurant took only a few minutes. They strolled in silence for the most part, a gentle squeeze or pat saying all they needed to convey to each other.

“How can Snape watch us in the restaurant?” Hermione asked.

“That will be his problem,” Draco said with a grin.

Not surprisingly, the young couple was shown directly to their table in a dim, quiet corner. Having left their cloaks at the front, Hermione now felt quite the proper lady in her new robes. She noticed several of the other patrons taking note of her and who she was with. She was almost beginning to understand the lure of being married into a powerful family.

Draco seated Hermione himself, then he sat down and gave the waiter their order without even glancing at the menu.

“I hope you don’t mind, Luv. It helps keep up the bastard image,” Draco said, scooting his chair closer.

“I don’t mind. I think I like being pampered, at least for tonight,” she said, flashing him a smile. “Do you think we can . . . talk here?”

Draco pulled out his wand and cast a silencing charm around the table. “We can now. What’s on your mind?”

“You. What will your father do when I don’t choose you?” Hermione asked with concern.

“Don’t worry about me. I have a few ideas.” But looking at his friend’s face, he could see he had to say more.

“I am going to have father put in a petition for Hannah Abbott.”

“Hannah? Why?”

“Several reasons.” Draco stopped talking and sat back as the waiter brought their first course. When they were alone again, he went on. “Firstly, she had nothing to do with the war. Secondly, she is not friends with Potter, so she should be safe from father’s wrath. And thirdly, her inclinations run the same as mine.”

“She likes men?” Hermione quipped.

“She likes women. Pansy in particular,” he said. Hermione looked at him as if he’d grown another head.

“Pansy?” Hermione gasped out, not certain if she was saying it because she was shocked Pansy was gay or that Hannah could like her.

“Yes. Why do you think the Pansy and I got on so well?” he said, “Also, Hannah’s birthday is in March. We’ll have three months from her birthday to get married and then a year together before the Ministry steps in when no heir is produced. I’m hoping this stupid law will be repealed before then.”

Hermione nodded her head. It was too late for her, but maybe Draco could be saved from the law somehow.

When the third course was laid in front of them, Hermione ventured to ask the question that had been plaguing her mind for some time. “Draco, I hope this isn’t too personal…”

“Ask anything you like, Luv.”

“I just wondered, are you seeing anyone?” Hermione asked. Draco’s eyes got wider and he actually started to blush. “If that’s too personal ….”

“No… I mean yes, I am seeing someone. You’re my best friend, I should have told you before,” But he still looked uncomfortable discussing it.

“Someone I know?” Hermione asked, very curious now.

“I . . . I can’t tell you who he is. And I literally mean, can’t. He made me swear a wizard’s oath.”

“Why?”

“He hasn’t told any of his friends or his family. He’s really afraid of what people will think. Not just about his being gay, but that he’s dating me.”

Hermione watched his face closely and felt the pain that statement caused. “Draco, you are a wonderful man. If he can’t see that, then you’re better off without him.” Draco gave her a small smile and she could see his eyes were moist. “You love him, don’t you?”

“Yes,” he said, after taking a deep breath to pull himself back together.

“Does he love you?”

“He says he does. At times I wonder, though. He’s so insistent that no one finds out. I wonder if he’s ashamed of me,” Draco said, looking deep into his water glass. Hermione sighed, then she thought she might cheer her friend a bit.

“Well, let’s see. From what you’ve told me he has to be either a Ravenclaw or a Gryffindor,” Draco’s brows shot up.

“Oh, really?”

“My goodness, you aren’t dating Rose are you? That would be too weird a triangle for me,” Hermione said, and was glad to hear Draco let out an unguarded laugh.

“No, Luv. Mr. Green has ‘breeder’ written all over him,” he said, still laughing. “So does Snape, for that matter.” Hermione looked at him, uncomfortable with the idea of discussing Snape and breeding.

“He would take care of you,” he said, placing a hand over hers.

“I don’t wish to be taken care of.”

“You know what I mean,” Draco said, then sighed. “I didn’t know about the pregnancy part of the law, when I asked him.”

“I know, he told me.”

“What do you think of him, as a man?” Draco asked seriously.

“I haven’t really thought of him that way.” Mostly the truth, she thought.

“Well, think about him. I don’t know what women look for, but I find him kind of sexy. I was a bit disappointed, when he professed his heterosexuality to me.” Hermione felt her own brows go up.

“What is it you find sexy about him?”

“He has that dark brooding thing going, of course. He has lovely eyes and that voice, don’t even get me started,” Draco said. Hermione had to giggle, as these were things she had noticed about her Professor as well.

Over dessert, Draco reached into his pocket and handed her another box, smaller than the first. Hermione gaped at him, until he nodded for her to open it. Opening the box, revealed a pair of pearl and diamond earrings.

“Draco . . . This is too much,” Hermione said, as she fondled one of the earrings.

“Nonsense. It all goes on father’s tab, so I thought I would get you a wedding present. I thought these would go with whatever you chose to wear.”

“And whomever I choose to marry,” Hermione said, with a laugh. “Draco, honestly, these are beautiful. Thank you,” she said, leaning over to give him a kiss.

When they were finished with dinner, the young couple went for a stroll. The streets were quieter now, as it was getting late. Draco steered Hermione into an alley that was darker than the street, but there was still enough light to see. He then pressed her gently against the brick wall and leaned in nuzzling her neck and whispered in her ear.

“I hope you don’t mind, Luv, but I’m supposed to try to seduce you. Give you a proper taste of what a Malfoy has to offer.” He then pulled back to look in her eyes. His gaze held such affection for her, she tilted her face up, offering him her lips. He kissed her gently, and it felt good, but it lacked something on both their parts. Then his hand went inside her cloak and came to rest on her breast, kneading it reverently. Pulling back and putting his lips to her throat again, he whispered, telling her he had wanted to do that for a long time.

“You have such lovely breasts, they fascinate me,” Draco said, then pinched an erect nipple. She whimpered softly, and he stiffened. “Did I hurt you?”

Hermione let out a breathy laugh. “No, you didn’t hurt me.”

“I never heard you make that sound before, I think I like it,” he said, then he pinched her other nipple and got the same response.

“This isn’t fair, you know,” she whined good-naturedly.

“Neither is this,” Draco whispered, taking her hand and placing it over the bulge in his pants. Hermione drew in her breath in surprise. “I told you a can get a stiffy for a pretty girl.” She squeezed him gently, extracting a moan from him.

“As much as I like this, we should be going. Push me away, the next time I kiss you,” Draco said. Hermione met his lips and allowed him to kiss her, but when he tried to deepen it, she brought her hands up to his chest and pushed him away. She shook her head for good measure and stepped away from him. Draco caught up to her, feigning an apology and began leading her back to the Leaky Cauldron.

When they returned to the Headmaster’s office, Dumbledore was waiting for them. “Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy. You had a good evening, I trust , and hopefully not too eventful,” the old wizard asked

“We did not see father, though I’m sure he was there. At least part of the night,” Draco answered.

“Miss Granger, you look lovely. I see you got in a little shopping,” Dumbledore said, his eyes in full twinkle mode.

“Gifts from Draco,” Hermione explained.

After bidding the Headmaster good night, the young couple made their way to Gryffindor tower.

“Mind if I come in?” Draco asked, when they reached Hermione’s door.

“Of course not,” she said, undoing the wards and opening the door. They came in and both removed their cloaks.

“Would you like some tea?” Hermione asked. Draco said, ‘yes’ as he flopped down onto the couch. Hermione ordered some tea from the kitchens by floo. In a matter of moments, the tea service appeared on the low table in front of the couch. She poured two cups out and handed Draco one.

They sat quietly, enjoying each others company, until Draco set his cup down, then took hers from her hands.

“Care for a bit of a snog?” he asked with a devilish grin.

“What?” she asked laughing lightly. He moved closer and cupped her jaw gently, then ran his hand down the side of her neck.

“You, Luv, are a very good kisser and I would like to kiss you again, if you don’t mind,” Draco said, moving closer. Hermione had to admit, she didn’t see any reason not to kiss him.

Draco’s kiss was soft and sensual, almost too soft, as if he were afraid of breaking her. She thought she would dispel that idea immediately. Opening her lips to him, she kissed him harder, plunging her tongue into his mouth. A satisfying groan rumbled in his chest and he brought a hand up to squeeze her breast again. Despite her earlier lack of enthusiasm, she felt her body beginning to react to having a man caress her, even if it was her best friend.

A loud knock sounded at the door and the couple pulled apart. The sound came from the door to the hallway. Hermione looked at Draco, shrugged her shoulders and stood up. Which proved to be more difficult than usual because of the long dress robes she was still wearing. Opening the door, she startled. This was the last person, she expected to see at her door tonight.

“Professor Snape?” Hermione said, surprised. He looked at her for a moment. Oh, how silly of her. “Please, come in.”

“Thank you, Miss Granger,” the dark man said. He came into the room and his eyes landed on the blonde, standing by the couch. His eyes not leaving the youth, he spoke again. “I wanted to make sure you made it back to your rooms alright.” Then his gaze turned to Hermione and his dark eyes seemed to be drinking her in again.

“Yes, Professor. Draco walked me back here, a little while ago.”

“And I should really be going. Good night, Luv,” Draco said, kissing her cheek. He retrieved his cloak and took his leave.

Hermione suddenly felt nervous. She was faced with having Snape, in her private room, late at night. A small bit of relief came, when she noticed he seemed nervous, too.

“I understand you where watching over us tonight?” she said, tentatively. He nodded his head, still looking at her, as if she were a painting on display.

“I was merely concerned for your safety. I will say good night,” Snape said. Then to Hermione’s utter amazement, the man took her hand and gently bent his lips to it. He nodded politely once and left the room.

Hermione let out the breath, she had been holding. She could still feel the impression of his lips on her skin. The feeling was electric. That simple act had reeked more havoc with her system than five minutes of snogging with Draco had.


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*** This incarnation of Draco is based on a friend of mine from college who is gay. Gay men come in all shapes and sizes and no two act alike, just like straight men. So NO finger wagging. Gay men can be just as interested in breasts as straight men, BELIEVE ME.