Archive of Our Own ^beta

There were a lot of whispers and conversations happening in the Ravenclaw common room, much more than usual, Hermione had noted. A part of her had no desire to find out what her fellow ravens were murmuring to one another, but the nosy part of her was winning out. Turning to her housemate and friend, Theo, she asked if he knew what all the fuss was about.

“You hadn’t heard?” he asked, sounding surprised. “It’s been the talk of the castle since breakfast this morning.”

Hermione timidly looked away, “I sort of skipped breakfast to get ahead in my reading.”

He chuckled at her fondly, “Of course you did. McGonagall had announced wanting to boost inter-house unity or whatnot.” Theo flapped his hand in a blasé manner, showing he didn’t pay too close attention to the headmistress. “Before we all go on holiday, we are doing an auction.”

“What kind of auction?”

“I’m getting to that, hold your horses,” he laughed, shaking his head at her restlessness. “You ever heard of basket boys?”

Hermione made a face, trying to recollect what she knew about the topic. “Sort of. Isn’t that where girls will bid on boys and go on a date with them and they all have these baskets with some sort of meal inside?” 

“Yup,” he popped the last consonant. 

“How’s that going to enhance house unity? Won’t the girls just bid on guys from their own house?”

“Ah, you see, that’s the catch. McGonagall is making it so that that can’t happen. The guys will be wearing a tie with their house color while the girls will be given a band around their wrist with their house color charmed so that if the guy has the same color as them, they can’t bid. Pretty craft spell if you ask me.”

“Indeed… Is everyone participating in this?”

“Nah, just the sixth and seventh years. The lower years can watch, but not participate. Can you imagine if McGonagall had the entire school do this? Hah! Chaos would ensue. Whereas with us, she can at least somewhat contain things. Though, I can just imagine the riots.” Theo smiled, absentmindedly. “Who are you going to bid on?”

“Oh, I wasn’t planning on participating.”

“What! Why?” he looked at her distraughtly, causing her to hold back a smile when she saw him pouting. “You do realize there are a bunch of yummy wizards you can go on a date with. Like a certain blond Slytherin…” Theo wiggled his eyebrows, making her smack him in the shoulder so he’d stop.

She looked away hoping to hide her blush. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Draco and I are just friends.”

Draco Malfoy was a very interesting character. Their relationship; even more so. The pair initially got along swell when they had met on the Hogwarts Express their first year. Then, they had been sorted into separate houses. Which wasn’t too bad in the beginning. They and the rest of their friends still found time to hang out with one another outside of classes and during meals. But then house division slowly made them distance themselves from one another and their competitive sides came out when marks and house points were assigned. Next thing they knew, they had become academic rivals, always trying to one-up the other and earn the top spot in each class and overall. Majority of the time they were neck in neck with each of them pulling ahead in particular subjects; he in potions and study of ancient runes and she in transfiguration and arithmancy. 

Then fifth year happened. More specifically, the Triwizard Tournament. None of the friend group participated in the tournament since they were all deemed too young, but they did get to go to the Yule Ball. All of the girls had dressed up all nice with their hair and makeup done up and everything. Hermione had never felt so comfortable in her skin than at that moment. She was a bit of a late bloomer in comparison to the rest of her girl friends. Though, that’s kinda what she got for making friends with Pansy, Daphne, and Ginny. Regardless, that night was when her frenemy relationship with Draco had ended. 

He had asked her to dance, putting their rivalry aside so they could act like friends once more. During that time, conversation had been a bit stiff as all of the ones before were usually filled with debate and revilement. But then Draco broke the tension and put things to rest admitting that he no longer wanted to fight her anymore. He had said that he missed their easygoing friendship where they healthily challenged each other and teased rather than insulted one another. Hermione couldn’t help but admit that she had felt the same. She had felt rather drained and only continued to butt heads because he continued to. For the remainder of the night, they danced some more and had fun with their friends. 

After that night, things began to shift for Hermione. It felt like after their initial animosity for one another had run its course, she began seeing Draco in a new light. One of fondness and care. She began to pay more attention to him in and outside of classes. The way he moved and appeared, his likes and dislikes, that wrinkle on his forehead that would always pop up when he was concentrating on a particularly difficult rune. Hermione found herself always looking for his white-blond head in the Great Hall and would make eye contact with him any chance she got when they had shared classes or hanging out with friends. 

It was addicting, looking into his eyes. She never knew what she’d see in them each time. There were times when they would be an icy gray when he was particularly in a good mood, a steel gray when he was angry or frustrated, a hard, dark gray when she’d spot him occluding for whatever reason, gray with hints of other colors depending on the lighting. Her all-time favorite though, was the type of gray she saw when he’d talk about the people he cared about. His eyes almost took on a marble-like appearance. 

It was one evening during summer hols, before their seventh year, did Hermione’s friends make her realize she was screwed. They were having a girl’s night at Daphne’s where they were all talking about boys. Usually, Hermione had little interest in such a topic but they all had a bit too much butterbeer and she had been having too much fun listening to all of her friends’ woes about the men or lack thereof in their lives. When they got to her, Ginny and Pansy had been very forthcoming about her crush on Draco. She had tried to deny it at first, but because of the heaping amount of evidence they had brought, Hermione could not contradict them. Thankfully, they all thought she and Draco were perfect for each other. Her girl friends had also said that despite them really wanting them to happen, they wouldn’t push or try to put them in awkward situations, which Hermione was extremely thankful for. The last thing she wanted was to jeopardize her friendship with Draco or make him uncomfortable. 

Since then, Hermione had been extra conscious of her interactions with the blond Slytherin and tried to keep them to a minimum when she realized how uneasy she was with him. Though, it hasn’t been particularly easy since they were named Head Boy and Girl. Regardless, Hermione had been determined to make sure Draco would never find out about her crush on him. Even though at this point, it appeared the entire friend group knew except for him. 

“Keep telling yourself that, Granger,” he chuckled. “But come on, McGonagall is practically forcing all the guys to do this. Don’t you want to support your friends and help them get out of really awkward situations so we don’t have to pretend to be enjoying ourselves with our dates? You’ll be doing us all a favor. Think of all the crazy witches out there.”

“And I pity you, truly, but my answer is still no. Besides, we’ve got tons of friends from each house. Pretty much all of them will be saved from having to be with one of the other ‘crazy witches’ as you had put it. You know Pansy won’t let anyone near Harry or Ginny with Blaise. There’s nothing to worry about.” 

“You are impossible,” he mumbled, turning away back to his book before Hermione interrupted him. “Sometimes I wonder how you weren’t sorted into Gryffindor.” 

Chuckling at her fellow Ravenclaw’s antics, Hermione continued on with her reading, but she was never able to refocus. Her mind kept on going back to the auction and the opportunity to bid on Draco. It would be the perfect way to test the waters and see if he’d be susceptible to them becoming more than friends… 

No, she was being silly. He’d never go for such a thing. 

He was Draco Malfoy, Slytherin Prince and she was simple Hermione Granger. There was nothing special about her. He’d end up with someone much more important and at his level of significance. It’s who he’d want anyway. Not her. Because despite the fact they put aside their rivalry, they still drove each other crazy. They were always arguing, but it felt so exhilarating to Hermione. She always anticipated their next debate. 

She was running late. Hermione lost track of time while perusing the books in Flourish and Blotts during their Hogsmeade trip and now she was late for the auction. The brunette still wasn’t going to bid on anyone but after a lengthy argument, sorry, debate with Draco, she had been convinced to go. As she was about to rush out of the bookshop, Madam Villanelle stopped her, wishing to give her a little something for helping out during her last visit. Hermione tried to deny the coins, but Madam Villanelle insisted, practically shoving them into her purse. 

Afterward, Hermione had contemplated rushing back to her dorm to drop off the money, but she was already falling behind in getting to the Great Hall as it was. Biting her lip, she simply swore she wouldn’t use any of the money given to her. When she eventually got to the Great Hall, a majority of her classmates were already situated. She tried to look for some of her friends while she stood at the entrance. Thankfully, Luna had managed to see her and waved her over to where the rest of the friend group was. 

“Granger, there you are,” Pansy commented. “Where were you? We were about to send a patronus to come get you.”

“Sorry,” she apologized, touching some hair away from her face from the run. “I got distracted.” Hermione took a breath. “But, I’m here now.”

“Good, because we’re counting on you to grab Malfoy before Vane gets him,” Ginny giggled, nudging the Ravenclaw with her elbow.

“Romilda is bidding on Draco? How’d you hear that?” she asked, self-consciously. “And how many times do I have to say I’m not going to bid on anyone.”

“Keep telling yourself that, Hermione,” Daphne grinned. “We’ve been hearing talk about people’s bids all day. Obviously, Pansy and Ginny have made sure no one even thinks about putting their money toward Harry or Blaise. But we’ll see if any of these ladies are feeling especially brave to try.” 

The ladies all giggled at how serious the statement was, regardless of how true it was. Hermione was about to ask another question when they all saw McGonagall walk up to the podium to begin the auction.

Hermione had zoned out midway through the auction, not all that interested in the first how many wizards that were auctioned off. She momentarily paid more attention when some of her friends were bid on, but then quickly went back to not caring all that much. Until she heard how much Pansy had to fight Harry on. It turned out some witches were feeling very brave to go up against Pansy, but inevitably lost when Pansy put out 84 galleons for her man. When her friend won, Hermione couldn’t help but laugh at how ferocious and serious she was when it came to Harry. So serious in fact that after she won, she immediately went up to the stage and gave Harry a very intense kiss in front of everyone. 

Once Pansy and Harry were ushered away by a very moody Snape, the next wizard was presented. Neville. He was a nice enough guy. A bit on the awkward side and tended to keep to himself. After McGonagall had announced what he had in his basket and began the bid at 10 galleons, the entire hall went silent. Looking from side to side, Hermione saw how all the witches were looking away from the stage. She had been determined she wasn’t going to bid on anyone, but she just felt so bad for Neville. There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with the guy. It’s just compared to a few of the other wizards up on the stage, he would be considered average. Hermione tried to see if there was something she and her friends could do but they had already secured dates with other wizards leaving her the odd witch out and the only one that could do something if no one else did something first. 

Taking a breath, the Ravenclaw raised her hand. “12 galleons…”

“Well done, Miss Granger!” McGonagall exclaimed, hitting the gavel on the podium. “Sold!”

Hermione couldn’t tell what emotion was rushing through her. She felt awful for Neville having no one bid on him, but she also felt guilty because she didn’t really want to go on a date with him. It was the whole reason she decided she wasn’t going to bring any money with her so that something like this wouldn’t happen. Yet, here she was, about to go on a date with someone she didn’t want to. 

The brunette also felt regret and guilt for not going after Draco. If what her friends said was true, he had been counting on her to get him out of going with Romilda Vane or someone just as bad and now she couldn’t do that. She chanced a glance over at Draco and couldn’t read the expression that was on his face. It wouldn’t surprise her if he was occluding. She hated it when he did that. She’d much rather have angry Draco or disappointed Draco than aloof Draco any day of the week. Hermione wished to convey her apology, but the Headmistress continued.

“Thank you. Now, for the final wizard of the day, we have Draco Malfoy.” Draco stepped forward and brought up his basket for the headmistress to look into. “Mr Malfoy has-”

“50 galleons!” Romilda interrupted.

“Oh, well then,” McGonagall gasped, surprised to hear someone had already begun the bid. 

“55 galleons!” Astoria Greengrass exclaimed, glaring daggers at the Gryffindor.

The rest of the student body watched as the girls tried to one-up the other, their heads bouncing to and fro. Hermione was amazed at the amount the total was getting. She knew that the galleons would be going for a good cause and all that, but she hadn’t expected the bids to get so high. The girls had already surpassed the amount Pansy had to bid Harry for and Hermione wasn’t too sure how much longer they’d be able to go. Yes, they both came from prominent families with a lot of money, but she was sure that even they had their limits. Eventually, it appeared Astoria had had enough of the proverbial tug-of-war she was having with Romilda and had a knowing smirk on her face. 

“130.”

She wasn’t sure about everyone else, but Hermione felt her jaw was on the floor. One hundred and thirty galleons. Draco Malfoy was worth one hundred and thirty galleons. That was over seven hundred pounds. 

“Sold to Miss Greengrass!” McGonagall shouted, not taking the millisecond for anyone to challenge Astoria after such a large amount offered. Additionally, Hermione was positive that the headmistress wanted to wrap up the auction. “If all of the witches who bid on these lovely wizards could make their way up to the stage and stand next to their date, we can move on to the dates commencing.”

Nervously biting her lip, Hermione stood up with the rest of her friends as they all made their way up to the platform and stood next to their respective wizard. The brunette quickly stole a glance over to where Draco was and saw that he was pleasantly talking with Astoria. A pang in her chest caused Hermione to look away and back to her own date. 

“Thanks, Hermione,” Neville muttered, giving her a small smile, which she returned and told him that she was happy to do it. “You didn’t have to, though. I know how much you wanted to bid on Draco.”

Hermione took a breath, “I didn’t want to bid on anyone, actually. But never mind that. Can we just get this date over and done with?” 

Neville nodded his head and led her toward the quidditch pitch. He reassured her that they weren’t going to be flying or going out on the pitch, but were simply using the grass near the pitch as their setting. Hermione could see a few other couples doing the same thing. They could see the Black Lake from where they were, one of her favorite spots. When she caught Harry, Pansy, Ginny, and Blaise, she offered them a wave before she sat herself down on the blanket Neville had set out. Looking at what he was laying out, she had to say that it wasn’t the worst date she could’ve been on. Not one she would’ve envisioned as her first, nor the person she wanted, but it wasn’t all bad. 

Until she saw Draco and Astoria down near the Black Lake underneath a tree. Their tree. She sucked in a breath. When their friendship had picked back up, the Black Lake had become their spot to study when the library would be too busy or when they knew they needed to get out but still needed to work on assignments. They enjoyed the breeze that came from the lake and the shade the tree gave them from getting sunburned. Though, Hermione had joked that she’d love to see the day that Draco Malfoy not look as pale as a ghost and look like he had seen a bit of sun. Yet, looking at the fact that Draco was bringing Astoria to their spot makes her wonder if she made it a bigger deal than he did and that did something to her. Made her feel hurt and crushed that this made her positive that he did not feel the same way she did for him. 

“Hermione, did you hear me?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry, I was distracted by something. What were you saying?” 

“I wanted to know how you like your tea…” he replied timidly, raising the teapot for her to see. “I have everything I think, but if you wanna make it yourself, you can.” 

The Ravenclaw looked down and saw that although Neville had everything most people have in their tea, he didn’t have what she usually has. She understood that a majority of the basket boys didn’t know who they’d get so they wouldn’t have exactly what the witch liked, yet she still couldn’t help but compare the Hufflepuff in front of her to the Slytherin a ways away who she knew would’ve known how she took her tea and would have lemon slices at the ready. 

“I’ll be honest, Hermione,” he began, sighing. “Although what you did for me was really nice of you, and I like you, I really do, but I knew, I know that I am not all that popular. I know where I stand on the social ladder. What I’m trying to say is that you didn’t have to waste your galleons on me. I would’ve been fine if no one bid on me and honestly, I would’ve preferred it because at least then I would be sharing this with the witch that I’m seeing. But you know, inter-house unity and all that.”

“Oh, Neville-”

“You don’t have to apologize, really. I’m willing to see this through if you are, but if you want to leave, I’m okay with that. Sure, it will be awkward for everyone to talk about how the only reason you bid on me was out of pity and then left me before we could really start the date, but I’ll be okay. I’m tougher than a lot of people think.” Neville laughed, “I was almost sorted into Gryffindor. But I wanted Hufflepuff because, despite the potential the hat saw in me, I was happy with the hand I was dealt. Yeah, there’s been a few downsides, but I don’t mind them because I have my parents and my grandma and the greatest girlfriend I could ever ask for. My life could’ve ended up a lot worse if the Ministry hadn’t defeated Voldemort when they had. And because of that, I’ve been nothing but blessed and treasuring every moment of my life. So I don’t need anyone to pity me or feel bad for me, because I’ve found my happiness. And I hope you find it too…” he reached out his hand and placed it atop her own, “with Draco.” Neville chuckled, “Because we all know how you feel about each other.” 

Hermione looked at Neville with a content smile on his face and she returned the gesture before she shifted her gaze over to Draco only to see that he was staring back at her. She sucks in a breath when she sees him stand up and make his way over to her. 

“Go get him, Hermione,” the Hufflepuff smirked, encouraging her as he took out his wand and sent a patronus to whom she assumed was his girlfriend. 

Standing up, Hermione went to meet Draco halfway. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest as she tried to anticipate what he was going to say. 

“Hey,” he began.

“Hi,” she breathed. 

“Got a moment?” She nodded her head and he took her hand, leading her to who knew where. Turned out it wasn’t as far as she thought as she found them down near the Whomping Willow. “Sorry to take you away from your date, Granger.”

“No you’re not,” she scoffed, smiling as she saw the smirk on his face. 

“You’re right, I’m not,” he chuckled, crossing his arms. “Because it was clear to see that you weren’t enjoying yourself.”

“Oh yeah?” she bit her bottom lip, trying to prevent her mouth from lifting and showing him she wasn’t taking the conversation seriously. “What makes you say that?” 

“All of the staring and longing you had directed at me,” he smirked, taking a step closer so that they were mere inches apart. 

Her cheeks flushed, embarrassed that he had noticed but not ashamed that he was calling her out for it because he didn’t appear repulsed or awkward about it. Rather, he seemed invigorated by knowing she was watching him and looking at him while she was on a “date” with someone else. 

“What’s that all about?” he continued, lowering his voice a few decibels and octaves, causing Hermione to go weak at the knees and make her knickers soiled. 

“I-I don’t know what you mean.” 

“Oh, I think you do, Granger.” He leaned in, causing her to close her eyes as she leaned in as well before he pulled away suddenly. “You know…” she whimpered, missing the opportunity that could’ve been. “I had hoped you would’ve bid on me.”

“Me?”

He nodded. “Mostly so that I wouldn’t have ended up with some witch that cared more about my name and galleons, but also because I enjoy spending time with you, Granger. And I’ll admit, I felt jealous of Longbottom scooping you up.”

“Jealous?” 

“I would ask if you’re always this articulate, but I know you better than that. It takes a lot to make you speechless and at a loss for words and I must say I’m flattered.”

“Oh no… I’ve given you a bigger head,” she joked, finally finding her voice. “Whatever shall I do to bring you back down?”

“Shouldn’t be too hard, Granger. You’re what, five-one?” 

“Ha ha…” She grabbed his tie and pulled him down to meet her eyes. “I thought about bidding on you, but when no one wanted to go on a date with Neville, I knew what I had to do.”

Hermione felt Draco’s hand on her waist and brought their bodies together. He smiled. “Such a bleeding heart. How were you not put in Hufflepuff,” the Slytherin joked. “But alas, that’s what I love about you.”

Before she could properly respond to such a statement, Draco cupped her neck with his other hand and kissed her. For a brief moment, Hermione was taken aback but quickly attuned and wrapped her arms around his neck to deepen the best kiss she’d ever had. It wasn’t the best kiss because Draco was just that talented at the skill, but because it was Draco that she was kissing. She’s been waiting forever to finally kiss Draco, feel his lips on hers, and be able to wring her hands through his luscious and soft hair. 

The brunette could’ve sworn she heard hoots and hollers somewhere in the near distance but she paid it no mind. They’d deal with their friends later. All that mattered now was the wizard in her arms and the future that was to come. Though, she did feel one of his hands move away from her body. Her eyes were closed, but from the noises their friends were making, she knew that he was giving them the bird.