Round 5 Challenge #2: VOTING!
Are you ready to RUMBLE??
Welcome to the second week of voting for Round 5 of Dramione LDWS-Rumble Edition!!
A couple of things to remember when deciding which drabbles to vote for (most and least favorite):
Guidelines:
1. Which drabble best incorporates the prompt?
2. Is the drabble clever, different, fresh? Does it evoke an emotional response (good or bad)?
3. Does the drabble contain grammar, canon or spelling errors?
The “feedback” option.
As a voter, you have the option of leaving a brief statement about why you voted the way you did, for both most and least favorite. You can also leave feedback for ALL drabbles in a screened comment if you wish. Your feedback will then be given to the drabble writer (if they want the feedback) ANONYMOUSLY.
Example: Most - #40: the ending was brilliant - OR - Least - #57: the ending fell flat
Now that all of that is done… We present the drabbles for week 2!!
RULES
[1] Choose your most favorite and least favorite drabbles. Favorites will receive +1 point per vote, and least favorites -1 point per vote. Each drabble’s MF and LF scores will be added together. Drabble with most points wins!!
[2] Points will be awarded to the top THREE (3) drabbles, Mod’s Choice, and any other awards we want to throw in!
[3] You may NOT vote for yourself.
Voting ends at 11:59pm, Friday, October 9, 2009.
PROMPT:
AROUND THE WORLD with Draco and Hermione!!
This stop: Seattle, Washington, USA! Pick a fact - any fact (historical, a festival, local color - whatever) and incorporate it into your drabble.
Four people did not submit drabbles and are ineligible for rewards this week:
thebigdisaster
ayane_tsurugi
somandalicious
marlaichen
If you don't wish to participate in the rest of the rumble, please let us know so we can find someone to fill your spot.
1
Title:Inside and Out
Author: moxicrimefightr
Rating: G
Warning(s):None
Word Count:328
The Seattle sky was a deep consistent grey. Hermione, who had just reluctantly dragged herself out of the warm confines of her bed, wondered why she even bothered to check the weather. It was still raining as it had been since they arrived at the muggle hotel for Seamus and Luna's wedding. Judging by the washed-out palor of the Seattle-ites ("These people make Malfoy look tan" was how Harry had so eloquently put it.) she figured the sun didn't show itself that often.
The clouds hovered so low over the city it looked as if they would touch the Space Needle that towered over the city. The way the swirls of grey tumbled throughout the sky was hypnotic, the only other place she'd seen such an entrancing tumultuous color was in the eyes of the man still sleeping soundly behind her.
He had inherited them from his father along with an ignorant predjudice that had kept him from her for so long. There was a time when that grey burned with an unadulterated hatred for her very existence, but things change. Now those eyes burn with something else entirely.
She was torn from her silent reverie as a pair of arms circled about her waist and warm lips worked their way up her neck.
"Good morning, Mrs. Malfoy." she heard the sultry voice she had grown to long for more than air pur into her ear. Her only response was an agreeable sigh as she sank back against his chest.
"It's absolutely dreary outside." he whined as he rested his pointy chin on her shoulder following her gaze out the window.
"Why couldn't Loony decide to tie the knot somewhere else? Like Figi or Bora Bora? I hate the rain."
Hermione laughed and the sound reverberated through their bodies, pressed close together like pages in a closed book.
"I don't know." she replied turning to look into the stormy eyes of Draco Malfoy.
"I think I like it."
2
Title: Jitters
Author: greenschist
Rating: PG-13, for a little naughty innuendo
Warning(s): None
Word Count: 498
Hermione paused and tried to orient herself. Pike Place Market sprawled over nine acres around them, and thousands of Muggles shopped and strolled under Seattle's cloudy skies. Hermione smiled when Draco wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her close to his side. After they completed their assignment, they could explore the market for a few hours before catching their Portkey back home.
"They have a Starbucks," Draco whispered in her ear, urgency in his tone, and Hermione could not help but roll her eyes. Merlin help her if Draco ever discovered Starbucks was in England, too.
"Of course they have a Starbucks, Draco. You couldn't toss your wand without hitting a coffee house in this city."
"That's descriptive," he smirked, "but I rarely 'toss my wand' now that I'm dating you."
"Draco!" Hermione blushed and swatted her boyfriend, digging in her heels when he laughed and began dragging her toward the restaurant. "Please no more coffee. Haven't you had enough?"
"I want another Caramel Macchiato." He paused outside the door and read the sign proclaiming this the first Starbucks.
Hermione shuddered. "How can you drink those? They're so sweet."
Draco grinned. "They're like liquid candy bars."
"Well, by my calculations, you've been averaging five 'candy bars' a day since we arrived in Seattle. Does that sound healthy to you? Yesterday, you were so jittery your hands were shaking. You were up half the night."
"Didn't we make good use of that time?" He stole a kiss.
She gave him a beady glare. "I want to complete our mission. I'm tired."
"Drink more coffee."
Hermione let out a frustrated tut! "I don't drink coffee, and I don't like their tea."
He ignored her and tugged open the door, releasing warm air and bluesy music into the street.
Hermione was a little desperate now, not certain she could face another afternoon with a heavily caffeinated Draco. "We really should proceed to Tenzing Momo to interview the herbalists."
"They'll wait for us." He took his place in line, eyeing the pastries behind the counter.
"We could go to the fish market and watch the mongers throw salmon," she suggested.
"Fish scare me. It's their googly eyes," he explained when she gave him a disbelieving look.
"What about seeing Rachel? She's a giant bronze piggy bank and the unofficial mascot of the market."
"As thrilling as that sounds, I'd rather have a Macchiato and a muffin." Hermione admitted defeat as he placed his order, sniffing when he ordered a second muffin and hot chocolate for her.
"I could teach you to like coffee if you lived with me." Draco nuzzled her temple. "Want to try?"
"Is that your way of asking me to move in? A coffee challenge?" Her stomach fluttered with nerves. She had never lived with anyone except her parents and her dorm mates.
"Well, whatever works. You Gryffindors are strange, competitive creatures. Think it over." He gave her another kiss, his lips warm, soft, and coffee flavored.
3
Title: That's the Spirit
Author: mister_otter
Rating: PG
Warning(s): none
Word Count: 335
Draco stood at his hotel window, scowling at the grey drizzle and wondering how quickly he could conclude his business in Seattle. If he’d wanted damp, he would have stayed in London.
Admittedly, he knew little about this far, Northwestern city except that it was green, rainy, and founded by pioneers. What the hell were pioneers? They sounded decidedly un-aristocratic and possibly uncouth--somewhat like Weasleys, only more adventurous.
“An American penny for your thoughts.” Soft arms suddenly slipped around his waist and warm breath tickled his bare shoulder blade, sending a shiver down his spine.
“Granger, explain to me about bloody pioneers.”
Hermione hid a smile. “Hmmm. I think that maybe you are one, Draco. Remember why you ended your betrothal to Astoria? You wanted freedom, a break with the past, a chance to discover your true self and just…breathe.”
“So--that makes me a pioneer?”
“It shows you have pioneering spirit, yes. But the real test came when you decided to venture into territory no Malfoy had ever explored--the heart of a Muggle-born witch.”
”And have I succeeded there?”
“Oh, admirably. You’ve been as successful as Seattle’s founders--and they had more incentive to stay. There was a gold rush to their north, later.”
“Gold…”
”I knew that would get your attention.”
”Money always gets my attention.” Draco turned and pulled Hermione into his arms. “Maybe I do have something in common with pioneers-something that even you, clever witch that you are, didn’t suspect.”
“Such as?”
“In the spirit of adventure, I’ve decided to become the first Malfoy to propose to a Muggle-born. It will take a lot of courage and daring on your part, but--will you marry me, Hermione Granger?”
“I rather like the idea of boldly going where no witch has gone before. I’d have to say…yes, I will. In the spirit of adventure, of course.”
”Excellent. I’m glad that’s settled-I love you very much, you know. Now, Granger…”
“Yes?”
“Tell me more about the Gold Rush.”
4
Title: Big Step
Author: midnight_birth
Rating: PG
Warning(s): None.
Word Count: 398
"I'm crossing the street and my eyes are closed," Hermione remarked as Draco dragged her forward.
"I want this to be a surprise," Draco snapped impatiently, and she smiled at him. "I can't wait until you see it, it's something quite worth the blind-fold."
"I've never been to Seattle, Draco. I've never ever been to the States. In fact, I haven't really even read up on it that much. Everything here is a surprise."
"There." He stopped abruptly and positioned Hermione in front of him. "Ready?"
"Yes."
"Ta-da!"
Hermione opened her eyes as soon as the blind-fold slid off her face and blinked, and then blinked again. She turned to see Draco grinning proudly and happily, evidently awaiting both the gratification of Hermione's reaction and praise for bringing her there.
"I knew this was the only place to take you," he said, gloating. "See, now you can't really say I don't know what you like, can you?"
Hermione smiled weakly and turned back towards what she presumed he had brought her to see. It was a five-floor building that was strangely shaped and was compiled of thousands of diamond-shaped parallelograms of what she thought was glass.
Without a thought, she breathed out, "What is this gaudiness?" and immediately cursed herself at the crest-fallen look on Draco's face.
"It's the Seattle Public Library, the Central Branch," he said defensively, throwing the building a dirty look as if it was its fault Hermione hadn't reacted the way he was expecting her to. "It's... It's one of the most impressive libraries in the world! It took over four million dollars to build, it's over two hundred thousand square feet. Apparently it has a drive through window. I don't know what that means, but it's supposed to be very impressive..." He trailed off. "You don't care about any of that, do you?"
"No." She shook her head. "I think this is the ugliest building on the planet. I like old and wood and dusty volumes and the slight scent of mold. But you knew I liked books and libraries and you brought me to one, which shows you really do know me. And that you tried."
The look of discontent on Draco's face was immediately replaced with one of conceited pride and Hermione rolled her eyes. He had tried and perhaps failed in what he was hoping to achieve, but for Draco Malfoy, that was a big step.
5
Title: Moving On
Author: alexajohnson
Rating: PG
Warning(s): EWE
Word Count: 491
I.
The morning Hermione discovered Malfoy drank coffee was a turning point in their relationship. A stop at the Starbucks a block away from the Ministry was part of her morning routine, and she was unreasonably annoyed the first time she saw him there.
They’d reached a shaky unofficial truce born from necessity, but he’d been the first to really introduce her to the darker aspects of the Wizarding World, and she hadn’t quite forgiven him for that. She wasn’t about to adjust her schedule though. Giving him that kind of power left a bad taste in her mouth.
He arched an expressive eyebrow at her. “What’s got your panties in a twist, Granger?”
Was she really that easy to read?
“Since when do you drink coffee, Malfoy?”
“Since I discovered you do,” he said with a smirk that twisted otherwise playful words into something ugly, an echo of the past.
Irritated, she snapped, “I find it sad you continue to harass me because you’re too much of a coward to move on.”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong, Granger,” he’d said, shaking his head at her. “The only one who can’t move on is you.”
It took her a while to admit he was right.
II.
It was a gradual change, but soon they were using the time to get to know each other. And at first it was hard, but she realized she never really knew him at all.
He challenged her in ways no other person had, and she broadened his horizons.
She thought it almost funny that something as simple as coffee could bring two people together, especially two people who were never supposed to be in love.
III.
“You know, this coffee stuff really isn’t half bad.”
“So much better than a Pepper Up potion,” she agreed, content. “I guess Americans have done something right after all.”
Draco gave her a blank look. “I’m sorry?”
“Starbucks was founded in Seattle,” she explained. “One of these days I really am going to have to make a pilgrimage to pay a proper tribute.”
There was a brief moment of silence as Draco just stared at her, and then he burst out laughing.
Folding her arms across her chest, she said, “Go ahead, laugh it up. I’ll have you know this place has saved my life on more than one occasion.”
As Draco’s laughter died down, a serious expression took its place. “Just as you saved mine,” he said, brushing a wayward strand of hair from her face.
For a moment, she didn’t know what to say, and hoped that was enough. But the air around them was suddenly heavy, and in an effort to lighten things up, she managed, “Draco…did you really just compare me to coffee?”
He smiled. “It seemed like a good idea at the time?”
It was her turn to laugh, and when he kissed her, there was no other place she wanted to be.
6
Title: Starbucks and Slammers
Author: bookishwench
Rating: PG-13
Warning(s): bit of implied crude humor
Word Count: 486
“But I don’t even like poetry!” Draco whinged as Hermione half-dragged him towards the venue in question. “All that stupid ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ stuff.”
“That’s not the sort of poetry they’re doing,” Hermione said. “This is a poetry slam. Seattle is known for its spoken word artists, and if we’re in luck we should hear some really wonderful performances.”
“Yeah, great,” Draco said sullenly. “Can I at least take my coffee inside with me? It’s really rather good for being Muggle-made.”
“I’m Muggle-made,” Hermione pointed out coldly.
“Well, yes, but I can’t expect everything to reach the lofty pinnacles of your towering success over your lineage,” he said magnanimously, but the grin on his face kept her from doing anything more than giving him an elbow jab to the ribs.
“For someone who hates poetry, that was rather flowery. Anyway, here we are,” she said, leading the way to a pair of seats near the front of the packed room, just to the side of the single microphone and stool that stood waiting in the spotlight.
“I don’t believe we crossed half the globe to go to a poetry reading,” Draco said, shaking his head.
“It’s a poetry slam, not a reading,” she corrected, “and we’re not even twenty percent of the way around the world, so stop complaining.”
It was times like this when Draco needed to remind himself that Hermione was gorgeous, witty, and intelligent. It didn’t hurt that she was double joined, either.
The lights dimmed and applause started, and once the slammers took the stage, Draco was shocked to realize he was mesmerized. The poets battled back and forth with words like extremely good Beaters hitting a Bludger from one to the other. He had to admit that half the time he wasn’t quite sure what they were on about, but it was still exhilarating. Finally, the winner was crowned, and Draco found himself cheering just as loudly as everyone else.
“So, do you still hate poetry?” Hermione asked as they headed back towards their hotel room, a posh, luxury penthouse suite with a glorious view of Puget Sound.
“No,” Draco admitted. “In fact, I might start writing some myself.”
“Really?” she said, raising an eyebrow quizzically. “Such as?”
He paused on the sidewalk, then knelt melodramatically in front of her, taking one hand in his own and assuming a sappy expression before opening his mouth and reciting.
“There once was a Muggleborn from Nantucket…,” he began in tones worthy of a Shakespearean orator until she clapped her hand over his mouth.
“Finish that poem and I’ll Transfigure all your coffee into bilge water,” she threatened him.
“I’ll stop,” he said as he stood, then leaned in closer to whisper, “as long as we get back to the hotel room and finish it in private.”
“Naughty boy,” Hermione said, glaring at him, but they did begin walking at a significantly faster pace.
Oooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---ooo---oooO
REMEMBER: Vote for the NUMBER of the drabble, NOT the title. It just makes it easier on the mods!
Poll
NOW, for voters! If you’d like to participate in our side challenge this round, in a screened comment, please rank the 3 drabbles YOU think will place in the top 3. PLEASE use the NUMBER of the drabble, NOT the title.
You may also leave feedback for each drabble if you'd like. This will be helpful for the participants as they continue through this challenge. Since no one will be eliminated, writers will be able to use their feedback to improve week to week. Thank you!
Top 3 Drabbles:
[1]
[2]
[3]
EDIT: REPOST OF POLL due to error in poll. If you already voted, I have your votes, but if you'd like to vote again that's fine. Thank you!
Welcome to the second week of voting for Round 5 of Dramione LDWS-Rumble Edition!!
A couple of things to remember when deciding which drabbles to vote for (most and least favorite):
Guidelines:
The “feedback” option.
As a voter, you have the option of leaving a brief statement about why you voted the way you did, for both most and least favorite. You can also leave feedback for ALL drabbles in a screened comment if you wish. Your feedback will then be given to the drabble writer (if they want the feedback) ANONYMOUSLY.
Example: Most - #40: the ending was brilliant - OR - Least - #57: the ending fell flat
Now that all of that is done… We present the drabbles for week 2!!
RULES
[1] Choose your most favorite and least favorite drabbles. Favorites will receive +1 point per vote, and least favorites -1 point per vote. Each drabble’s MF and LF scores will be added together. Drabble with most points wins!!
[2] Points will be awarded to the top THREE (3) drabbles, Mod’s Choice, and any other awards we want to throw in!
[3] You may NOT vote for yourself.
Voting ends at 11:59pm, Friday, October 9, 2009.
PROMPT:
AROUND THE WORLD with Draco and Hermione!!
This stop: Seattle, Washington, USA! Pick a fact - any fact (historical, a festival, local color - whatever) and incorporate it into your drabble.
Four people did not submit drabbles and are ineligible for rewards this week:
thebigdisaster
ayane_tsurugi
somandalicious
marlaichen
If you don't wish to participate in the rest of the rumble, please let us know so we can find someone to fill your spot.
1
Title:Inside and Out
Author: moxicrimefightr
Rating: G
Warning(s):None
Word Count:328
The Seattle sky was a deep consistent grey. Hermione, who had just reluctantly dragged herself out of the warm confines of her bed, wondered why she even bothered to check the weather. It was still raining as it had been since they arrived at the muggle hotel for Seamus and Luna's wedding. Judging by the washed-out palor of the Seattle-ites ("These people make Malfoy look tan" was how Harry had so eloquently put it.) she figured the sun didn't show itself that often.
The clouds hovered so low over the city it looked as if they would touch the Space Needle that towered over the city. The way the swirls of grey tumbled throughout the sky was hypnotic, the only other place she'd seen such an entrancing tumultuous color was in the eyes of the man still sleeping soundly behind her.
He had inherited them from his father along with an ignorant predjudice that had kept him from her for so long. There was a time when that grey burned with an unadulterated hatred for her very existence, but things change. Now those eyes burn with something else entirely.
She was torn from her silent reverie as a pair of arms circled about her waist and warm lips worked their way up her neck.
"Good morning, Mrs. Malfoy." she heard the sultry voice she had grown to long for more than air pur into her ear. Her only response was an agreeable sigh as she sank back against his chest.
"It's absolutely dreary outside." he whined as he rested his pointy chin on her shoulder following her gaze out the window.
"Why couldn't Loony decide to tie the knot somewhere else? Like Figi or Bora Bora? I hate the rain."
Hermione laughed and the sound reverberated through their bodies, pressed close together like pages in a closed book.
"I don't know." she replied turning to look into the stormy eyes of Draco Malfoy.
"I think I like it."
2
Title: Jitters
Author: greenschist
Rating: PG-13, for a little naughty innuendo
Warning(s): None
Word Count: 498
Hermione paused and tried to orient herself. Pike Place Market sprawled over nine acres around them, and thousands of Muggles shopped and strolled under Seattle's cloudy skies. Hermione smiled when Draco wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her close to his side. After they completed their assignment, they could explore the market for a few hours before catching their Portkey back home.
"They have a Starbucks," Draco whispered in her ear, urgency in his tone, and Hermione could not help but roll her eyes. Merlin help her if Draco ever discovered Starbucks was in England, too.
"Of course they have a Starbucks, Draco. You couldn't toss your wand without hitting a coffee house in this city."
"That's descriptive," he smirked, "but I rarely 'toss my wand' now that I'm dating you."
"Draco!" Hermione blushed and swatted her boyfriend, digging in her heels when he laughed and began dragging her toward the restaurant. "Please no more coffee. Haven't you had enough?"
"I want another Caramel Macchiato." He paused outside the door and read the sign proclaiming this the first Starbucks.
Hermione shuddered. "How can you drink those? They're so sweet."
Draco grinned. "They're like liquid candy bars."
"Well, by my calculations, you've been averaging five 'candy bars' a day since we arrived in Seattle. Does that sound healthy to you? Yesterday, you were so jittery your hands were shaking. You were up half the night."
"Didn't we make good use of that time?" He stole a kiss.
She gave him a beady glare. "I want to complete our mission. I'm tired."
"Drink more coffee."
Hermione let out a frustrated tut! "I don't drink coffee, and I don't like their tea."
He ignored her and tugged open the door, releasing warm air and bluesy music into the street.
Hermione was a little desperate now, not certain she could face another afternoon with a heavily caffeinated Draco. "We really should proceed to Tenzing Momo to interview the herbalists."
"They'll wait for us." He took his place in line, eyeing the pastries behind the counter.
"We could go to the fish market and watch the mongers throw salmon," she suggested.
"Fish scare me. It's their googly eyes," he explained when she gave him a disbelieving look.
"What about seeing Rachel? She's a giant bronze piggy bank and the unofficial mascot of the market."
"As thrilling as that sounds, I'd rather have a Macchiato and a muffin." Hermione admitted defeat as he placed his order, sniffing when he ordered a second muffin and hot chocolate for her.
"I could teach you to like coffee if you lived with me." Draco nuzzled her temple. "Want to try?"
"Is that your way of asking me to move in? A coffee challenge?" Her stomach fluttered with nerves. She had never lived with anyone except her parents and her dorm mates.
"Well, whatever works. You Gryffindors are strange, competitive creatures. Think it over." He gave her another kiss, his lips warm, soft, and coffee flavored.
3
Title: That's the Spirit
Author: mister_otter
Rating: PG
Warning(s): none
Word Count: 335
Draco stood at his hotel window, scowling at the grey drizzle and wondering how quickly he could conclude his business in Seattle. If he’d wanted damp, he would have stayed in London.
Admittedly, he knew little about this far, Northwestern city except that it was green, rainy, and founded by pioneers. What the hell were pioneers? They sounded decidedly un-aristocratic and possibly uncouth--somewhat like Weasleys, only more adventurous.
“An American penny for your thoughts.” Soft arms suddenly slipped around his waist and warm breath tickled his bare shoulder blade, sending a shiver down his spine.
“Granger, explain to me about bloody pioneers.”
Hermione hid a smile. “Hmmm. I think that maybe you are one, Draco. Remember why you ended your betrothal to Astoria? You wanted freedom, a break with the past, a chance to discover your true self and just…breathe.”
“So--that makes me a pioneer?”
“It shows you have pioneering spirit, yes. But the real test came when you decided to venture into territory no Malfoy had ever explored--the heart of a Muggle-born witch.”
”And have I succeeded there?”
“Oh, admirably. You’ve been as successful as Seattle’s founders--and they had more incentive to stay. There was a gold rush to their north, later.”
“Gold…”
”I knew that would get your attention.”
”Money always gets my attention.” Draco turned and pulled Hermione into his arms. “Maybe I do have something in common with pioneers-something that even you, clever witch that you are, didn’t suspect.”
“Such as?”
“In the spirit of adventure, I’ve decided to become the first Malfoy to propose to a Muggle-born. It will take a lot of courage and daring on your part, but--will you marry me, Hermione Granger?”
“I rather like the idea of boldly going where no witch has gone before. I’d have to say…yes, I will. In the spirit of adventure, of course.”
”Excellent. I’m glad that’s settled-I love you very much, you know. Now, Granger…”
“Yes?”
“Tell me more about the Gold Rush.”
4
Title: Big Step
Author: midnight_birth
Rating: PG
Warning(s): None.
Word Count: 398
"I'm crossing the street and my eyes are closed," Hermione remarked as Draco dragged her forward.
"I want this to be a surprise," Draco snapped impatiently, and she smiled at him. "I can't wait until you see it, it's something quite worth the blind-fold."
"I've never been to Seattle, Draco. I've never ever been to the States. In fact, I haven't really even read up on it that much. Everything here is a surprise."
"There." He stopped abruptly and positioned Hermione in front of him. "Ready?"
"Yes."
"Ta-da!"
Hermione opened her eyes as soon as the blind-fold slid off her face and blinked, and then blinked again. She turned to see Draco grinning proudly and happily, evidently awaiting both the gratification of Hermione's reaction and praise for bringing her there.
"I knew this was the only place to take you," he said, gloating. "See, now you can't really say I don't know what you like, can you?"
Hermione smiled weakly and turned back towards what she presumed he had brought her to see. It was a five-floor building that was strangely shaped and was compiled of thousands of diamond-shaped parallelograms of what she thought was glass.
Without a thought, she breathed out, "What is this gaudiness?" and immediately cursed herself at the crest-fallen look on Draco's face.
"It's the Seattle Public Library, the Central Branch," he said defensively, throwing the building a dirty look as if it was its fault Hermione hadn't reacted the way he was expecting her to. "It's... It's one of the most impressive libraries in the world! It took over four million dollars to build, it's over two hundred thousand square feet. Apparently it has a drive through window. I don't know what that means, but it's supposed to be very impressive..." He trailed off. "You don't care about any of that, do you?"
"No." She shook her head. "I think this is the ugliest building on the planet. I like old and wood and dusty volumes and the slight scent of mold. But you knew I liked books and libraries and you brought me to one, which shows you really do know me. And that you tried."
The look of discontent on Draco's face was immediately replaced with one of conceited pride and Hermione rolled her eyes. He had tried and perhaps failed in what he was hoping to achieve, but for Draco Malfoy, that was a big step.
5
Title: Moving On
Author: alexajohnson
Rating: PG
Warning(s): EWE
Word Count: 491
I.
The morning Hermione discovered Malfoy drank coffee was a turning point in their relationship. A stop at the Starbucks a block away from the Ministry was part of her morning routine, and she was unreasonably annoyed the first time she saw him there.
They’d reached a shaky unofficial truce born from necessity, but he’d been the first to really introduce her to the darker aspects of the Wizarding World, and she hadn’t quite forgiven him for that. She wasn’t about to adjust her schedule though. Giving him that kind of power left a bad taste in her mouth.
He arched an expressive eyebrow at her. “What’s got your panties in a twist, Granger?”
Was she really that easy to read?
“Since when do you drink coffee, Malfoy?”
“Since I discovered you do,” he said with a smirk that twisted otherwise playful words into something ugly, an echo of the past.
Irritated, she snapped, “I find it sad you continue to harass me because you’re too much of a coward to move on.”
“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong, Granger,” he’d said, shaking his head at her. “The only one who can’t move on is you.”
It took her a while to admit he was right.
II.
It was a gradual change, but soon they were using the time to get to know each other. And at first it was hard, but she realized she never really knew him at all.
He challenged her in ways no other person had, and she broadened his horizons.
She thought it almost funny that something as simple as coffee could bring two people together, especially two people who were never supposed to be in love.
III.
“You know, this coffee stuff really isn’t half bad.”
“So much better than a Pepper Up potion,” she agreed, content. “I guess Americans have done something right after all.”
Draco gave her a blank look. “I’m sorry?”
“Starbucks was founded in Seattle,” she explained. “One of these days I really am going to have to make a pilgrimage to pay a proper tribute.”
There was a brief moment of silence as Draco just stared at her, and then he burst out laughing.
Folding her arms across her chest, she said, “Go ahead, laugh it up. I’ll have you know this place has saved my life on more than one occasion.”
As Draco’s laughter died down, a serious expression took its place. “Just as you saved mine,” he said, brushing a wayward strand of hair from her face.
For a moment, she didn’t know what to say, and hoped that was enough. But the air around them was suddenly heavy, and in an effort to lighten things up, she managed, “Draco…did you really just compare me to coffee?”
He smiled. “It seemed like a good idea at the time?”
It was her turn to laugh, and when he kissed her, there was no other place she wanted to be.
6
Title: Starbucks and Slammers
Author: bookishwench
Rating: PG-13
Warning(s): bit of implied crude humor
Word Count: 486
“But I don’t even like poetry!” Draco whinged as Hermione half-dragged him towards the venue in question. “All that stupid ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ stuff.”
“That’s not the sort of poetry they’re doing,” Hermione said. “This is a poetry slam. Seattle is known for its spoken word artists, and if we’re in luck we should hear some really wonderful performances.”
“Yeah, great,” Draco said sullenly. “Can I at least take my coffee inside with me? It’s really rather good for being Muggle-made.”
“I’m Muggle-made,” Hermione pointed out coldly.
“Well, yes, but I can’t expect everything to reach the lofty pinnacles of your towering success over your lineage,” he said magnanimously, but the grin on his face kept her from doing anything more than giving him an elbow jab to the ribs.
“For someone who hates poetry, that was rather flowery. Anyway, here we are,” she said, leading the way to a pair of seats near the front of the packed room, just to the side of the single microphone and stool that stood waiting in the spotlight.
“I don’t believe we crossed half the globe to go to a poetry reading,” Draco said, shaking his head.
“It’s a poetry slam, not a reading,” she corrected, “and we’re not even twenty percent of the way around the world, so stop complaining.”
It was times like this when Draco needed to remind himself that Hermione was gorgeous, witty, and intelligent. It didn’t hurt that she was double joined, either.
The lights dimmed and applause started, and once the slammers took the stage, Draco was shocked to realize he was mesmerized. The poets battled back and forth with words like extremely good Beaters hitting a Bludger from one to the other. He had to admit that half the time he wasn’t quite sure what they were on about, but it was still exhilarating. Finally, the winner was crowned, and Draco found himself cheering just as loudly as everyone else.
“So, do you still hate poetry?” Hermione asked as they headed back towards their hotel room, a posh, luxury penthouse suite with a glorious view of Puget Sound.
“No,” Draco admitted. “In fact, I might start writing some myself.”
“Really?” she said, raising an eyebrow quizzically. “Such as?”
He paused on the sidewalk, then knelt melodramatically in front of her, taking one hand in his own and assuming a sappy expression before opening his mouth and reciting.
“There once was a Muggleborn from Nantucket…,” he began in tones worthy of a Shakespearean orator until she clapped her hand over his mouth.
“Finish that poem and I’ll Transfigure all your coffee into bilge water,” she threatened him.
“I’ll stop,” he said as he stood, then leaned in closer to whisper, “as long as we get back to the hotel room and finish it in private.”
“Naughty boy,” Hermione said, glaring at him, but they did begin walking at a significantly faster pace.
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Poll
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