The Quiet Between Battles

The fire crackled softly in their bedroom, casting a warm glow across the walls.

Hermione leaned against the headboard, a book resting on her knees — unread.

Draco lounged beside her, one arm behind his head, watching her with a faint smirk.

"You've read the same page five times," he murmured, voice low.

Hermione gave him a sidelong glance. "Maybe I'm distracted."

His smirk deepened. "By me?"

She rolled her eyes — but her smile betrayed her. "Don't let it go to your head, Malfoy."

He shifted, sliding closer until their shoulders touched. "I married you. It's already gone to my head."

Hermione laughed softly, setting the book aside. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

For a while, they stayed like that — the world outside melting away.

No headlines.

No whispers.

Just them.

Draco's hand found hers, fingers threading together. His thumb brushed lightly over her skin, a simple touch that sent warmth spiraling through her.

"You've been carrying the weight of the world again," he whispered.

Hermione sighed. "Maybe. But tonight… I just want to be yours."

Draco's eyes softened. He turned slightly, pressing a kiss to her temple — slow, lingering, full of the love that never needed words.

"I like the sound of that," he murmured against her hair.

Hermione shifted to face him, their noses almost touching. "Draco…"

He met her gaze, eyes searching hers. "Yes?"

She leaned in, kissing him gently — soft at first, then deeper as his hand slid to her waist.

It wasn't rushed. It wasn't desperate.

It was grounding.

His lips moved over hers with a quiet reverence, a silent promise between two souls that had weathered every storm.

When they finally pulled apart, Hermione rested her forehead against his.

"I love you," she whispered.

Draco smiled — that rare, real smile he only ever gave her. "I know. And I love you more than you'll ever understand."

They settled back beneath the covers, tangled together, hearts beating in a quiet rhythm only they shared.

Tonight wasn't about passion or proving anything.

It was about choosing each other — over and over again.

In the quiet between battles, Hermione let herself be held… and, for once, truly believed she deserved it.