Title: Friends and Neighbours Author: @elanorrin Characters/Pairings: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy Rating: T+ Prompt #: A21 Word Count: 12,232 words Content/Warning(s): Mild Profanity, Minor suggestive adult themes Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made from this creation. A/N: None Summary: Prompt by MykEsprit for Riddikulus Fest 2019. Recently divorced Draco moves into a new neighborhood. Single mom Hermione tries to get the homeowners association to kick him out. Link: Â https://archiveofourown.org/works/18186629 Â
Excerpt:
Padma gave a shrill laugh. “It’s a skill, my love. But forget that. You know that house across your street that recently got sold? You won’t believe who’s moving in.”
“Is it a member of the Weird Sisters? I know how you love that band.”
“Strike One!” said, Padma, playfully shaking her head.
Hermione pouted again. “Just tell me?”
“You’re no fun,” said Padma, rolling her eyes. “It’s Draco Malfoy!”
Hermione choked on her drink, and immediately turned red while coughing.
“Oh, gosh! Are you okay?!” Said Padma, rushing over and thumping her back unhelpfully.
“I-I-m Fine!” Hermione choked out, before taking a few deep breaths.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you-” said Padma, but Hermione was losing all colour from her face, as rapidly as she’d gained it. “You don’t look so good. Are you sure you’re feeling alright?”
Nodding, she gulped a lot of air, before reigning her breathing in.  “Just choked on the wine. H-How– no wait– why is he moving to this place? Doesn’t he own a big manor in Wiltshire? Or it that too small for his big ego?”
Padma looked a bit surprised at her vitriol. “Seems like he doesn’t get along with his parents and wants to spread his wings a bit. Didn’t want the media’s attention so he’s moving to this place. It’s known for its privacy.”
“What?” Hermione asked, eyes wide.
“I know you don’t read gossip rags, but his divorce has been all over them. His parents are not happy.”
Hermione gave her a look of disbelief, knowing that Padma didn’t read them either.
“I don’t need a Witch Weekly subscription. Sunday evening calls from Parvati are enough,” Padma said, answering her unasked question. “I know you guys didn’t get along, but isn’t your reaction a bit… excessive?”
“Yes– I mean, no! We hated each other at school.” Hermione floundered as she searched for more reasons to explain why him moving in just across the street was not a good idea.
