They drove in silence for a moment as Hermione's heart thudded in her chest, the gravity of the situation finally settling over her. She was skipping school, she was in a car with Draco Malfoy of all people, and she had no idea where they were going. She twisted her hands in her lap unconsciously, trying to regain the balance of her mind. Familiar landmarks flew past, and suddenly they were on the interstate, a slim grey ribbon unwinding in front of them. Hermione could feel the silence weighing on her, and she knew she had to say something to break the quiet spell. "So," she started in a higher pitch than she might have liked, "where are we going?". Her voice sounded foreign, rather than dispelling the silence her words seemed to slowly suffocate in the stillness. Stupid, she thought instinctually, then reconsidered as he turned to look at her, his smile reassuring her as completely as she had chastised herself just a moment ago. What was wrong with her?

"Well we're almost there, surprise or no surprise?" He asked, his grey eyes shining mischievously. Hermione felt a thrill run up her spine at these words, "Surprise" she said, her smile slipping out with her reply. "All right, I'll tell you when to close your eyes." He said confidently, leaning back against his seat. Hermione mock-scoffed, "what? How much of a surprise is this going to be?". He clapped his hand over her eyes, "you agreed" he laughed. Hermione pretended to allow it, in reality it was thrilling to be this close to him. She felt the car stop beneath her, then she felt his other hand grab hers and guide them over her eyes. "No peeking." He warned, and she heard him get out of the car. She sat patiently, trying to slow her mind. He opened her door and guided her out of the car. "Alright," he said quietly, suddenly very close to her, "open your eyes". Hermione dropped her hands and squeaked in excitement. She whirled around, her eyes sparkling as much as her smile. He laughed good-naturedly at her reaction, "you like The Pier then?" She turned back around to gaze at the local amusement park's gates, the attractions beyond rising far into the sky. "I love it, I've only been here once." Then her natural sense returned to her for a flash, "this isn't putting you out is it?" Draco rolled his eyes in response, "I think my wallet will survive." With that he grabbed her arm and half-dragged her toward the entrance. Hermione's excitement must have been contagious because they both seemed almost giddy as they made it through the gates and onto the main fairway. "Alright, where should we go first?" Hermione asked, studying the map that they had been given with their tickets. Draco snagged the map out of her hands, "no map, you gotta just go for it." Hermione reached for the map futilely, "how will I know where to go?" she asked. "I guess you'll just have to trust me. I basically lived here the summer of eighth grade." Draco said, looking around with the air of a seasoned veteran. "You did?" Hermione asked, surprise clear on her face. Draco nodded, "My dad was working with the state to try to get the surrounding land away from The Pier's management." He seemed reluctant to share more and Hermione didn't push it. "This way?" She asked brightly, pointing down a brightly painted avenue. "Great choice" Draco responded, the world-weary look on his face replaced with his genuine smile once more.