Chapter Thirteen

And here's the penultimate chapter!

Pansy taps her nails against the stone balcony ledge. “Did you know he used to be engaged to Astoria?”

“I figured there was something between them once, based on your not-so-subtle comments the first time we met.”

“They were betrothed. Their families had it arranged a long time ago, of course.”

"So why aren't they married?"

"Haven't discussed your romantic pasts in gory detail?"

Hermione frowns. "I see little value in that sort of thing. Draco's dating history is the least objectionable part of his past."

"Fair enough."

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Also @abrilas-art spoiled us all with two new pieces for this update 🥰

Chapter 12

Excerpt:

She tilts her head and considers him. "You constantly surprise me."

His face pinches in distaste. “Are you always waiting for me to be terrible?”

“Of course not, Draco, I…” She rubs her temple. “I don’t want to argue, please. Not right before you leave.”

“Fine. We can talk when I return if you're still—if that still interests you at all.”

Hermione catches his hand and softly voices her suspicion. “Are you always waiting for me to leave?”

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Chapter and cover art by @abrilas-art

Chapter 11

Chapter excerpt:

Hermione approaches with caution, wondering if at any moment he’ll either apparate away from her or quickly throw down Floo powder. She reaches for his hand, disappointed when it remains limp, but at least he doesn’t recoil from her touch. 

“I can’t just ignore the circumstances that forced us together. But I also can’t ignore how I feel about you.”

“And how do you feel about me?” 

The emotionless tone stabs her in the chest. She knows a protection instinct when she hears one and it’s a twisting knife that he’s using one with her.

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Chapter/cover art by @abrilas-art

Chapter 10

Excerpt:

Regret does not greet her in the morning. Nor shame. Instead, temptation beckons. A crawling, curling want torches her veins. 

Hermione stares across the bed at the morning view she’s wasted for months. 

She has things she wants to say: I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I didn’t know it could feel like this.  

She has things she wants to do: kiss, lick, grab, hold.

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Chapter and cover art by @abrilas-art

Rainy kiss 🌧