Author's Note: First attempt at the Harry Potter fandom, so forgive the mistakes.

Sorry if there was a bit of a mix up with the link sent to your emails. I hope it didn't put you guys off. Again, sorry! ^^'

Disclaimer: See chapter one


Saturday

Draco tapped on Hermione's door at precisely seven o'clock in the morning. He was feeling unusually chipper. It wouldn't happen to be the pretty little brunette behind this door, would it? He started at that thought, but before he could follow it, the door swung inward. A disheveled Hermione stood there clad in a pajama top and bottoms.

She raised an eyebrow, "Can I help you?"

He smirked, "Why hello to you too. May I come in?"

She narrowed her eyes, but moved away from the door to let him pass. She led him into the living room and gestured to the sofa. He sat down and Hermione went into the adjoining kitchen. She came back with two cups of coffee.

She sat in a chair across from him, placing the mugs down onto the table.

"I wasn't for sure how you liked it," she murmured.

He took a sip, "This is fine. Thanks."

She offered a small smile and nursed her hot drink. Draco gazed at her. Even with her I-just-woke-up-way-too-early look, she was still pretty. She stifled a yawn.

"Sorry if I woke you."

She gave him a bleary eyed look, "S'okay, just not used to it on a Saturday."

"I thought if I woke you early, it would give you plenty of time to be ready in time for tonight."

She looked at him incredulously, "Who in the world takes twelve hours to get dressed?"

He made a sour face, "Pansy Parkinson."

Hermione chuckled, "Wow, can you say high maintenance?"

"Precisely. We tried dating a few times. It just didn't work out."

She nodded, "I completely understand."

He took another sip, "Should I leave and check up with you later?"

"It doesn't really matter," she shrugged.

"I see..."

They sat in contemplative silence for a moment.

"So exactly how formal is this thing?"

Draco laughed, "Not too formal. Don't worry, Granger. Just as long as it's tasteful, it will do."

She nodded, "How many people are going to be there?"

"About a hundred or so."

She spluttered and set her coffee mug down, "A hundred?"

He furrowed his eyebrows, "Well yes. It is the social event of this season."

"I'm not good with large groups of people. Especially ones who look down on 'mudbloods'," she slumped in her seat.

Draco cringed, "Trust me it won't be bad. You know most of them. And I solemnly promise if anyone calls you mudblood I'll knock their block off."

She smiled, "I'd like to see that Malfoy."

She rose up and sighed, "Well I suppose it won't be too bad," she grinned, "and I do have a tendency to be melodramatic."

Draco smirked, "I haven't noticed."

She stuck out her tongue.

The clock sitting on her mantle chimed eight.

"I guess since I'm up I should get everything situated."

Draco nodded and started to get off of the sofa.

Hermione waved, "No, don't leave."

"Okay. Why not?"

She grinned, "Because you're going shopping with me."

He groaned, "Oh come now, Granger. I'm sure you have something in your closet."

"Nope. I don't have a single thing. So we have to go to Diagon Alley."

After Hermione finished getting dressed, they used the floo network and arrived in Diagon Alley in less than no time.

Hermione grinned at Draco's obvious discomfort.

"Cheer up, Malfoy."

He just shook his head, "So where to?"

She tapped her chin with her index finger, "Hm, I usually buy from Curiouser and Curiouser."

"Then let us be off," Draco gestured for Hermione to lead the way.

She led him down a couple of streets and they came upon a quaint little shop. There was a huge sign designed to change colors that read:

~Curiouser—and—Curiouser~.

He entered the shop to see Hermione animatedly talking with a woman behind the counter.

"Ah, Alice Liddell meet Draco Malfoy."

Draco nodded.

Alice smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

She turned back to Hermione, "So what can I do for you today, mademoiselle?"

They laughed. Draco glanced around as Alice was learning of the ball they had to attend. Very odd shop. Anything that anyone could ever think of (or couldn't) was here.

"I have just the thing," Alice hurried off to the back of the room, "two minutes."

Draco walked over and stood next to Hermione.

"She seems nice."

Hermione laughed, "I love Alice. We ran into each other at the Ministry. We haven't seen each other in a long time, what with work and all."

"I understand."

"Do you ever hang out with anyone anymore, y'know like Crabbe and Goyle?"

His attitude became aloof, "No, not anymore."

Hermione felt like banging her head up against the counter.

"Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it."

He shook his head, "Don't apologize. I know you didn't."

At the moment, Alice bustled back with an armful of clothing.

"Voi la, I introduce you to Lola," she laughed.

"Lola?" Draco looked quizzically at her.

"Named after my sister's cousin."

"Wouldn't that—"

Hermione cut him off with a shake of her head, "Don't ask."

He nodded, "Okay then."

"So renting or buying?"

Hermione shrugged, "Not for sure. What do you think?"

"For you, I'll cut a deal if ya buy," winked Alice.

They laughed. Draco rolled his eyes.

"I'll go ahead and get it then."

Hermione purchased her dress, and stood chatting with Alice until new customers arrived.

"Chow dearies!"

"Bye Alice," waved Hermione.

"Yes, goodbye. It was a pleasure to meet you."

Alice winked and stage whispered, "He's a keeper 'Mione."

Hermione shook her head and pulled a gaping Draco out of the shop.

"Is she under the impression we're an item?"

Hermione laughed, "No, she's just teasing."

"I see…"

"She's a bit of an odd duck, I know," she looked at the giant clock face on the shop across the street, "I suppose we should be getting back seeing as it's twelve."

"Yes. I need to start getting everything prepared."

They started walking to a communal fireplace to use the floo network.

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The rest of the afternoon seemed to fly by at an unusually fast pace. Draco left Hermione at the doorway of her rooms and proceeded down the hall. Hermione looked for a dusty old tome on her bookshelf that Ginny had given her as a birthday gift. It had spells for makeup and hair. She pulled it out and flipped through a couple of pages.

She glanced down at Crookshanks who had curled up on the foot of her bed.

"After all, I am a witch. Why not cheat and use magic?" she laughed.

She put on the dress Alice picked out and looked at herself in the mirror. It was very lovely; a deep blue at the top then it tapered into an aqua color then a tender green color at the hem. And it shimmered from top to bottom.

"I'll say, Alice knows my taste," she turned, "what do you think cat?"

Crookshanks only yawned.

"I'll take that for a yes. Now to do my hair."

She flipped through the book and came upon a pretty little witch with a sophisticated 'up do' style. Hermione murmured the spell and her hair twisted into place and had little curls streaming out and framing her face.

She kept her makeup au natural. For her lips she kept them pink and just a little glossy, her eyes were enhanced with liner and mascara, and a little rouge to her cheeks.

"Fini," she smiled, "so Crookshanks I believe I'm off."

She petted him on the head, "Behave while I'm gone, no outlandish parties or anything."

The cat gave a small mew and went back to sleep. Hermione laughed and walked out to meet with Draco.

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Draco glanced at the clock on his mantelpiece.

"I guess I should go get her."

As he made his way to the door, there came a knock upon it.

He opened it, and lo and behold there stood Hermione.

She smiled, "I figured since I was ready I would beat you to the punch."

Draco felt (and looked) thunderstruck. Hermione was gorgeous. No more than gorgeous, she was stunning, no exquisite, no… There were no words for him.

"Are you going to let me in or gape like a fish? I think I might just prefer the latter," she laughed.

"Sorry, you look—"

She held up hand as she walked in, "Don't say it. And you shouldn't act so surprised, I mean I am a girl."

She turned and gave him a grin, "Besides you clean up well too."

He smirked, "Thanks Granger."

She rolled her eyes at him.

"By the way Malfoy, are we going to use our last names in pleasant company?"

"We probably shouldn't, so for tonight I suppose you'll be Hermione and I Draco, of course it's only for a front," he nodded with mock solemnity.

"Of course," she smiled, "by the by, what time are we to arrive?"

"We can leave now if you wish."

"Well let us be off then," she held her arm out, "escort please."

He bowed, "At your service."

She laughed.

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"Oh Draco dahling, it's so wonderful to see you. And who's this charming young woman?"

Hermione mentally sighed. This had to have been the thousandth time that night for her to hear the phrase 'charming young woman'.

"Hermione Granger, this is Lady Violet."

Hermione smiled and nodded her head, "Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Lady Violet smiled, "Don't let Draco trick you with his debonair attitude," she patted his cheek, "he really is a sweet boy."

Draco grinned, "You're going to start a nasty rumor of me being nice now."

She laughed and spotted another woman crossing the room, "I must be off now dears. You be good to her, cheerio dahlings."

And with that, Lady Violet left the two alone.

Draco sighed, "Sorry about that."

Hermione smiled, "I think I'm immune to it by this point, but I would like to step outside for some fresh air."

"By all means, you may. There's a terrace straight through those doors," he gestured to their right.

"Thank you."

He watched her wind her way through the crowd, smiling and stopping to chat with whoever cornered her for one.

"You like her."

Draco turned and saw Blaise standing there with two glasses of wine. He handed him one and stood next to him.

"Must say she is rather pretty tonight. You two do seem happy together."

Draco only sipped his drink and nodded.

"She hasn't realized you're interested yet has she?"

Draco sighed, "Always the mind reader. Yes, you're right. She's stunning and I haven't the gall to tell her I'm interested."

Blaise grinned, "Everyone's been talking about it; it's that obvious."

"Everyone?" Draco raised an eyebrow.

"Ok, you got me. I'm the only one, but I've heard a few questions circulating."

"Great."

The two sipped their drinks, until someone claimed Blaise's attention.

"Look mate, I've got to run. Here's you a bit of advice: Life is short, so grab it by the balls and never let go."

Draco laughed, "I've got to say, that's some straightforward advice."

Blaise grinned, "It works," and with that he left Draco to his thoughts.

/

"Hello, Hermione."

Hermione turned toward the unknown voice.

"Hello, Blaise, lovely party."

He laughed, teeth flashing in the dark. Blaise walked over and stood next to her, leaning against the terrace railing.

"I suppose, glad to see you enjoying yourself. Never pegged you to be Draco's date though," he glanced over.

She smiled, "Yes, it does seem a little odd, but we enjoy each other's company, so he's not all bad."

Blaise smiled, "You interested?"

She looked at him questioningly, "Interested?"

"You know, don't play coy with me," he winked.

Her eyes widened and she blushed, "Oh. Well.."

Hermione glanced through the French doors and watched Draco conversing with another socialite.

"He is attractive; a woman would have to be blind not to notice. And he is rather intelligent," Draco glanced up and met her gaze; she blushed and turned back to Blaise.

"He's ok," she shrugged.

Blaise grinned slyly, "Ok? Well Miss Granger I won't keep anymore of your time," he bowed, "til we meet again."

She smiled, "Yes, Mr. Zabini, goodnight."

Hermione stood outside overlooking the grounds a few more moments before sighing and heading back inside.

/

Draco looked through the crowded room searching for a particular brunette. A tap pulled him from his thoughts.

"Malfoy."

"Granger, I was just looking for you."

She smiled, "It's ridiculous how many people are here."

They both skimmed the room. Draco noticed Blaise talking to the orchestra on the other side of the room. With a slight nod to the conductor, a slow melody flowed out of the charmed instruments. Blaise caught Draco's attention and flashed him a thumbs up.

Draco turned to Hermione, "Would you like to dance?"

She laughed, "I'm terrible, so if you can stand your toes trampled, then yes."

"Fine by me," he grinned.

She wasn't lying, Draco thought as he kept from wincing as Hermione's heel none too gently 'stepped' on his toe.

"Sorry," she bit her lip.

"It's fine, besides you warned me," he smirked.

"True," she giggled.

They danced in relative silence, with a few heated glances stolen when the other wasn't looking.

When the song came to an end, they parted with Hermione looking a tad more flush than usual.

"You're a real gentleman," she smiled, "Ron wouldn't give me a moments rest about his poor abused feet at Harry's wedding," she huffed, "the nerve to say that, and at his best friend's wedding no less!"

She met Draco's quirked eyebrow expression with a heavy blush.

"Sorry for rambling."

"Quite alright, Weasley isn't exactly built for manners."

Hermione nodded in agreement, as the grandfather clock chimed out eleven o'clock.

"Wow, is it really so late?"

"I believe so," he replied.


Sort of a lame way to end it, I know, but I wasn't quite sure where to go from there. Any suggestions? It will be a few weeks before I'll post anything else, I don't have any ideas as where else to go. =/ So yes, thanks to everyone who favorited and alerted! :) Glad to know someone's reading. And an extremely special thanks to Riddikulus Remus for the only review I have! :D Thanks so much! R & R!