From Venice with Love

Against her better judgement, Hermione decided to go back to the piazza that evening. Despite her memory lapse, she thought she’d had fun the night before. “Besides,” she reasoned as she walked into the piazza at seven, “I know no one else here, and staying in with my parents seems silly when there is so much to see in Venice.” Finally assured she was doing the right thing, Hermione walked quickly back towards the café. Malfoy wasn’t there so she ordered a cup of coffee and watched the square. A half hour passed and she began to get nervous. “What if he was joking?” she thought. She could just picture him hiding behind a statue, laughing at her, that she could believe he wanted to spend time with her. A blush stained her cheeks and she quickly laid money down for the coffee and stood up to go.


“Second thoughts, Granger?” drawled a voice behind her, amused.


Relieved, but trying not to show it, Hermione turned around. “Just going to the loo,” she said to his smirking face.


“Sure you were. “ His silver eyes looked so deeply into hers she squirmed under his gaze. “Much better,” he said, finally.


Hermione saw he was referring to her outfit. Despite herself, she had put on a bit of make up and a nice shirt and jeans. Her wild hair was tamed into a ponytail and she had put on earrings. Uncomfortable, Hermione crossed her arms. “Same place tonight?” she asked, ignoring his comment.


“I don’t think so, not after the show you put on,” he grinned as she blushed.


“Look, Malfoy, could you stop going on about that? I never-“


“I’m sure you don’t,” he cut her off. “That’s what’s great about being here, Granger. You can do things and no one knows. Well, I know,” he said, smiling. He leaned toward her and whispered in her ear. “But I’ll never tell,”


The feel of his breath on her ear made her tingle and she jumped a little and backed away. Forcing herself to remember, yet again, that this was Malfoy, she eyed him wearily. “You won’t tell until it suits you, you mean,” she clarified.


Malfoy shrugged and smiled. “You’ll have to wait and see,” he said. He put his hand out to her. “Coming?” he asked.


Hermione hesitated before putting her hand in his. She sighed. “Lead the way.”


*******************


This evening found them at an outdoor club right on the water. It had a patio that went out into the dark water like a private inland. There was another bar out there and a dance area, as well as room inside as well. Again, Hermione took the drink Malfoy offered her but vowed to drink less tonight. They stood in silence for awhile before Hermione blurted out, “Did you learn Italian this summer? Or had you known before?”


Malfoy seemed to hesitate before answering. “Before. We spent a few weeks in Italy almost every summer,” He didn’t look at her, his eyes continued to scan the room.


“I’ve only learned a little. It’s my first time here.” Hermione knew she was rambling but she couldn’t stop. “We’ve gone on holiday to France before, I know french. We’ve been to Greece as well. My parents thought getting away would do me good.”


“Mine as well,” Malfoy finally looked at her. “I’m sure for very different reasons.”


“Are your parents in Venice?” Hermione asked.


Malfoy’s eyes narrowed and the pleasant tone was gone from his voice. “Why would you care where my parents are?” he snapped.


“No..no reason,” she stammered. “Just wondering if they left you alone,”


Malfoy turned away from her once again and she thought he wouldn’t answer and then, “My mother is here,” he said quietly. He quickly finished his drink and ordered another. He glanced at Hermione’s still full glass. “Slowing down tonight?”


Hermione let him change the subject. “I like to be in control,” she answered.


Malfoy laughed and Hermione jumped at the foreign sound as she detected no malice. “Sometimes, Granger, it’s better not to be in control.” He handed her glass to her and raised an eyebrow.


Hermione read the challenge in his eyes and gulped her drink. He promptly supplied her with another. She took it, but was determined not to be dared into drinking like a child.


“Ah, Draco, you made it,” Alessandro’s fluid voice broke through her thoughts. “You brought Hermione. How lovely to see you again,” He leaned towards her to kiss both her cheeks.


Hermione jumped a little in surprise at the gesture and looked at Malfoy to see his response. There was none, so Hermione assumed this was a typical greeting. She was shocked he didn’t smirk at her uneasiness, but he seemed to be busy getting another drink.


“Hello,” she said finally, as Malfoy made no move to answer. He had begun to chat with the bartender about something in Italian.


“Have you given any thought to my offer?” Alessandro asked her.


“Your offer?” Hermione asked, confused.


“Yes, to take you sightseeing?” He smiled at her.


Hermione looked over at Malfoy again but he seemed to have not heard the conversation. “Ummm, sure. That would be fun,” she said finally.


His face brightened. “Great. Tomorrow? At 2:30? Where should we meet?”


“Piazza San Marco,” Hermione said. “At 3.I have something to do earlier,”


“Perfect,” Alessandro smiled. “I’m leaving for a prior engagement. When Draco stops talking football, please give him my best,” he shook her hand and was lost in the crowd.


Hermione turned to where Malfoy was still talking to the bartender. Once he saw her looking at him, he excused himself and turned back to her. “Alessandro left already?” he asked.


“Yes, were you talking about football?” he nodded and she stared at him. “I didn’t know you knew what it was.”


“Well, I can’t very well talk about Quiddich, can I?” he said, amused. The drinks were beginning to have an effect on him. His grey eyes appeared glassy and his speech was slightly slurred.


Hermione took another long sip of her drink. She felt relaxed and comfortable. “Can we sit?” she asked. Malfoy shrugged and she walked to a table near the side of the bar. Malfoy had followed her and sat down beside her.


“What did Alessandro want?” he asked.


“He wanted to take me sightseeing,” Hermione said.


“He called it sightseeing?” Malfoy laughed. “That’s different.”


“What?” Hermione asked worriedly.


“Granger, Alessandro is famous for romancing tourists. It’s what he does,” Malfoy said.


“Are you sure? He seemed nice,” she frowned.


“Anyone can seem nice if they want something, Granger,” he said quietly.


Hermione stared at him. “Then what do you want, Malfoy?”


He was close enough for her to smell the liquor on his breath. Hermione felt the urge to move away, yet something kept her in place. Her eyes met his for a moment before he looked away. “I wish I knew,” he said.