A/N: Hey, all! This is FloralBal here with your third chapter! Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Three: The Meet

Hermione walked into the super fancy restaurant at 8:30. She had pushed her time of arrival as late as possible. She was dreading the dinner. She also had a boatload of trouble trying to decide what to wear. Hermione was a modest dresser, but wanted to leave a good impression on Malfoy. After all, how often does one see their childhood enemy who happens to be very, very attractive? She had finally decided she had nothing applicable in her wardrobe, and had fled to Ginny's to borrow something. Now, decked out in a red dress that she would never dream of buying, Hermione arrived at the table. Ginny gave her a weak smile, right before Malfoy opened his mouth.

"Well, Granger. Still think you can do whatever you want, arrive whenever you want, just because you're Potter's best friend?" Hermione had long ago decided that she needed to be civil to Malfoy, if only for her best friend in the entire world.

"Hello, Draco. It's lovely to see you as well!" She was thrilled at the lack of usual sarcasm in her voice. She was also thrilled at the huge grin Ginny was sending her way. She sat down, and there was an awkward silence.

"Erm…So Hermione, it's really nice to see you again. Ginny's been telling me so much about you," Blaise sputtered out. Hermione could tell he was trying really, really hard but she couldn't forget the past he had led. When she caught his eyes she saw one of the three boys that had made some of her time at Hogwarts a living hell: They eyes that laughed at her non-stop, the eyes that were surrendered to the Dark Lord's will, they eyes that had been in the room of requirement. How could she trust this man with her best friend in the entire world? Ginny was the sister that Hermione never had. They did everything together, and spoke almost daily. They told each other everything- well everything up until Blaise came into the story. What could Ginny see in him? Hermione decided to figure out.

"Gin, come to the bathroom with me?" Hermione rose, pulling the redhead with her. Ginny anxiously followed.

"Ginny, I'm not going to say I like Blaise but I'm not going to say I don't. I just want you to- need you to tell me: What on earth do you see in him? You have nothing in common. You're perfect, and strong and independent. He is a follower, easily swayed by the opinions of his friends and superiors! What is going on here?"

"Hermione, don't you judge Blaise until you really know him. Why can't you believe people have changed? You have no faith in him because you don't want to believe he's a good person who treats me well. I see so much in him, Hermione! Someone who can take care of me. And as a friend, I thought you'd support that." Ginny stormed off, back to the table, with tears glazing her eyes.

Hermione banged her head against her hand. Great, now she'd embarrassed herself in front of everyone, and offended her best friend. This night could not get any worse.


"Thank god they left. Tell me, Blaise, Why are you and Weaselette together, if it causes this much trouble? If you have to deal with Hermione bloody Granger, isn't it better to just find another girl?"

"No, Malfoy. I can't just 'find another girl'. And at least Hermione is being civil, you prat. You're giving yourself an awful reputation. People are staring. You never know where Ministry spies are hidden."

As a part of both Blaise's and Draco's punishments for their actions in the war and service to Voldemort, they were put on a probation, and kept on watch by Ministry officials. Blaise, after a very short 6 months, had proven himself completely trustworthy, and had been freed. Draco, on the other hand, was on his 8th year of being watched. He kept on using the word "mudblood" or discriminating against them at his Potions Company. Whenever he would be least expecting it, an official would swoop up to Draco, warning him about his actions and fining him.

Draco was about to smartly retort when Ginny came back, looking teary.

"Gin, what's wrong?" Blaise took her hand and looked concernedly at her. Ginny shook her head and composed herself. By that time, Hermione had returned to the table.

"Let's just forget this all happened" Ginny said.

"Forget you ever started dating Zabini? That sounds great!" Malfoy said gleefully.

"No, Malfoy. Let's forget that you and Hermione have chosen not to support your best friends, and have chosen instead to be completely and utterly selfish." Ginny sounded like her mother at that point. Both Hermione and Draco looked down sheepishly.

"So, Hermione, read any good books lately?" Blaise asked kindly. Well, that set them off on a night long conversation about literature, an interest that they both shared. By the end of the night they seemed like old friends, joking about Madame Pince, and promising to trade novels. Draco and Ginny, on the other hand, seemed tense. Ginny would sweetly ask him a question about his mother, or his work, and he would bark back a one word response. Eventually she gave up.

By the time the night ended, Ginny and Blaise drove off in a muggle car, while Hermione and Draco had to walk to an apparition point together.

"So you like Blaise now?" Draco asked her, finally breaking the silence. He was a little upset that Hermione had beat him at something else; befriending their best friend's significant other.

"No, I bloody well don't like Blaise. Haven't you ever heard of acting?" Hermione turned to stare at him. Draco released the breath he had been holding.

"Good, I was beginning to think you were supporting them."

"Support them? I think it's one of the worst couples possible! Almost worse than…than…" Hermione sputtered off.

"You and me?" Draco finished her sentence. Hermione didn't reply. They had reached the apparition points, but knew they would have to see each other again soon.

"Well, Draco, we're just going to have to work together to end this mess." Hermione held out her hand, offering a short-term truce.

Draco shook it.

A/N: I really hope you enjoyed! Let us know what you think! Thanks for reading, and thanks to DramioneFan-38

Love, FloralBal