Move, Countermove

It was on Hermione’s mind to write Draco and tell him not to pull a stunt like that again. She had made up her mind, and she would not be pulled into a game, she didn’t have the patience.



As they day wore on she worded the letter in her head, deciding to write it that night. She entered her office after a meeting and found Draco there again with flowers.



“What are you doing? She asked, tossing the flowers on the desk.



“I’m taking you to lunch.” She started to object, but he stopped her. “Just lunch, nothing else. We can talk, I’m sure you want to.” He sexy little smile was getting to her.



“Alright, but just lunch, nothing else.” He agreed and he took her to a very popular café in the heart wizard London. He introduced her to several people he knew before they were even seated.



When they were finally seated, Hermione immediately started in on him. Draco you heard what I said, why are you doing this?”



“I know what you said, and I agree with a lot of it. It was unfair of me to write to you after waiting so long. It was unfair to let things get as far as they did the other night, I’m as much to blame for not stopping things. I agree that we had something wonderful, and I agree that the time for games is over.”



“Then why are you doing this?” She asked.



“I said the time for games is over, I didn’t say that I was giving up on you.” She was stunned but held in her reaction as a friend of Draco’s stopped by and said hello. She was introduced and astonished to find out that she was recognized.



“I know you don’t know me, but my sister was Rhiannan Stuart.” He said. Hermione took only a moment to recognize the name, and her eyes flew open. “Yes, I want to thank you for making sure her attacked was put away. You have my whole families gratitude.”



She thanked him for his words and turned to Draco when they had left. “Is there some reason why you are introducing me to everyone you see?” She asked.



“Why should I hide you?” He said.



“Draco, do you think that by doing this it will make me change my mind about things?”



“Yes.” She said with a straight poker face. “Hermione, at Hogwarts you kept it a secret because it was easier for me. You honored my request and I’m willing to honor yours.”



She stared at him. Was he serious? “Draco, what do you hope to gain from this? I’m not the type for an affair or a fling.”



“Neither am I anymore.” He told her, fixing his gaze with hers.



She leaned in closer. “Are you trying to get serious with me Draco?” She whispered.



He leaned in and gave her that sexy smirk again. ‘I’m trying my damndest.” He whispered back.



“Well, well, what have we here?” Hermione and Draco both looked up to see Lucius Malfoy with Narcissi on his arm. Lucius’s small looked forced while Narcissa was just beaming at them.



Draco stood to his feet right away. “Mother, Father, what a pleasure, you will join us won’t you?” He called a waiter for two more chairs before they could refuse. Well, Hermione thought, lets see how serious he is.



When his parents were seated, and Draco had taken his own chair, she reached out and took his hand. Draco slid closer and closed his fingers around hers.



“Mother, Father, you know Hermione Granger. Hermione, my father you have met a few times, and this is my mother, Narcissa Malfoy.” He said with all the politeness of a royal prince.



“A pleasure to meet you mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.” She said.



“A pleasure to meet you as well Miss Granger. I trust my son is behavior in manners befitting a Malfoy.” She said smiling brightly.



“He is most chivalrous.” Hermione said still holding his hand.



“I imagine so.” Narcissa said, looking over at her husband. “Draco let us know about his intent to begin dating publicly, as I’m sure he has told you.”



“Not entirely, but I gather it as something along those lines.” She admitted.



“It must make you proud to be seen with him.” Lucisus remarked.



Hermione knew a challenge when she saw one, and she was not about to let Lucius Malfoy out her where he thought she should be. “I am proud to merely be in his presence Mr. Malfoy. It is his character that I wish to be with, not his status.”



Draco smiled at his father from behind Hermione’s shoulder. “I’m sure you are well deserving of his praise as well.” Narcissa told her.



“Well dating publicly is always the first step when looking for a wife. As a member of a respected family, Draco’s choice of bride would have to be a woman of strength and respect.” Lucius said with a knowing look.



“Indeed.” Was all she said, returning his look. “But I am afraid I must be off. I am due back at the office.” She stood and said her goodbyes to the Malfoys, then turned to Draco.



“I will owl you soon.’ He told her. She nodded and when he kissed her cheek, she took his face in her hands and plunged her tongue into his mouth kissing him deeply. Draco gripped her hips hard and let his surprise be swallowed up by her kiss.



Hermione let him go after a moment and took in his exaggerated stance. He let his body fall back in his chair, and held the arms in a firm grip. He looked up at her and let his labored breathing out. He looked as if he had been toughly molested, and had loved it.



Hermione leaned over and grabbed her purse, stopping long enough to whisper in his ear. “Move, countermove.”



Draco didn’t try to stop his panting as she turned and walked away.





A/N: To kazfeist review on birth control, Hermione uses a potion for contraception. A little like Depo Povera.