"Granger!" She heard him shout, his voice echoing through the ministry walls. She turned around, looking up to meet his irresistible grey eyes. "What?" She said it more harshly than she planned. The wizard recoiled but composed himself within a second, "can we talk?" "What about?" Hermione took a step to the side, letting a few Unspeakables pass. He waited for the hall to clear before speaking. "I’ve been owling you for weeks." She shrugged.  Draco furrowed his brows. "Have you—have you been receiving them?" "Yes." She confirmed. "Why haven’t you responded? Was it something I said?" He genuinely asked. Hermione bit her lip.  It was supposed to be a summer fling. Nothing serious. After her and Ron split, she needed the distraction, but it had to end when she returned to the ministry. After all, she had a career to uphold. "Draco," she started. "I just don’t have anything to say to you." He blinked. She felt a pang in her heart. Okay, let’s try that again. "It’s just that, well you know my ambitions." She saw him nod, knowing she practically talked his ear off one night on the beach about it. "I don’t see myself balancing a relationship right now." Draco took in her words. He did not see it as a fling, in fact, the blond was enamored. He told his mother all about their summer nights and even she couldn’t help but warm at the thought of her son finally getting the love he deserves. Hermione hated the way his face dropped. She hated herself more than anything. Why must she push everyone away?  "I’m sorry, but I can’t." She finished. Draco nodded half-heartedly. "If that is what you wish." She took a step back, ready to head to the lifts before the words came tumbling out of her mouth.  "You didn’t do anything wrong." She swallowed. "I want you to know that." He forced a smile. "If we’re being honest, can I say something?" Hermione nodded.  "However long it takes, I’ll wait for you." 