Thank you for the lovely comments and follows! I hope you're enjoying the fic as much as I enjoy writing it. I didn't want to keep people waiting while I write out Ron's part since Hermione's got so long. I'll put up his view sometime this week.

It was in the morning when I made up my mind…

"Are you sure this looks okay?" Hermione asked Ginny while looking into a full length mirror. She had decided to wear the dress she had let Ginny borrow only a week or two ago and she had forgotten how short the outfit was.

The dress was a black, silk fabric that clung to all her curves. Being strapless and only hitting mid-thigh she was weary the dress was bordering on inappropriate. She had paired the dress with a set of strappy heels which matched perfectly, but yet she couldn't feel confident in the outfit.

"You look fine," Ginny said looking at her own short number. "You look hot even." It was easy for Ginny to feel confident. She had the body of an athlete and glossy red hair that never frizzed.

Ginny grabbed her wand and walked up behind Hermione. Casting a few quick spells, she was able to tame Hermione's curls and twist the abundance of hair into a tight up-do. Hermione was sure her hair was only being held up by magic and nothing else, but it did add a more elegant look. She left more classic and like herself with her hair pinned back than she had with it wild and free.

"That helped," Hermione said turning to Ginny who had already fixed her own hair. "Thanks, Gin."

"Any time. Are you ready to go?" Ginny grabbed her wand and her handbag as she headed for the door.

"Are you sure it looks fine?"

"It looks fine. You look great. Now, let's go." Ginny grabbed Hermione's arm threateningly. "Do not make me Apparate you myself."

She afraid she would have to physically force her friend to go have some fun. Ginny couldn't even remember the last time they had done something as wild as go to a bar. Hermione simply wasn't as wild as Ginny, which was perfectly fine. It put a balance in their friendship, but their were sometimes where Ginny wanted to get out. When Harry asked if she'd like to meet him at The Astronomy Tower Ginny couldn't resist another quiet night with her best friend.

The Astronomy Tower was in the middle of downtown London right in the middle of the muggle high life. The Tower as most people called the club had an Apparition room where witches and wizards could pop into without notice, and the facade of an abandoned club building to ward off stray muggles. Abandoned The Tower was not. The club was one of the hippest wizard bars in London, and everyone knew The Tower was the place to be on a Friday night.

The girls Apparated in and were shocked by the clubs presence. Neither of them had ever been to anything like it. There were throngs of people everywhere, neon lights igniting the dance floor, and a live band playing on an elevated stage. In the midst of all the entertainment there was a large crescent bar serving up drinks fast than people could order. Hermione was stunned by the bass beat throbbing through her body. So much life was breathing through the room. The night was young.

"Do you see Harry?" Ginny yelled over the music. Hermione scanned the crowd and shook her head no. "Let's get drink then."

Ginny led the way to the bar as the girls bobbed and weaved through all the people. Everyone was revved up from the band and lit with an alcoholic buzz. "What do you want?" Ginny asked as they neared the bar.

"Butterbeer?" Hermione yelled back.

Ginny leaned over the counter to talk to the bartender. He nodded, mixed a few liquids, and then promptly handed Ginny two martini glasses. She slid the bartender a few coins and then turned to give Hermione one of the drinks.

"That's not a Butterbeer," Hermione said taking the class. She smelled the drink and could tell the liquid was much stronger than any beer. Ginny ignored Hermione's up turned nose and questioning looks. She waved her hand at Hermione motioning to drink as she sipped down her own.

Hermione cautiously took a small drink of the beverage. The alcohol burned down her through and through her body, but yet the taste was fairly sweet. She took a larger drink and decided that one glass wouldn't ruin her whole night. It was really quite good actually.

"No really," Hermione shouted. "What is this? I like it."

"It's a Flying Comet. They only make them here. It has Fairy Vodka in it." Ginny clinked her glass against Hermione as a form of cheers and took another large gulp. "Another?"

Hermione downed the rest of her glass as Ginny went back to the counter to find a bartender. A few feet away a couple left a small table with two barstools and Hermione quickly took a seat before anyone else could claim the space. The table was sticky with spilled beverages and the chair wasn't quite screwed on right, but she was happy to sit down in her heels. She waved Ginny over to the table when she saw her leave the bar.

"Any sign of Harry?" Ginny sat the drink down on the round table and took a seat in the other barstool.

"No. Do you know who he's bringing with him?"

"He didn't say. He just told me to bring a friend, so of course I brought you."

The music started to die down as the bands prepared to switch. Music continued to flow through the dance floor, but the crowd was left in a moment of waiting. Hermione look toward the entrance to the club floor waiting for Harry to walk through with his mate. Looking from face to face she stopped for a moment on a face she recognized.

"Oh no," she said putting her head in her hands. How could she have been so foolish? Of course Harry brought Ron. Even if she wasn't talking to him anymore, that didn't mean Ron and Harry weren't still friends. Why didn't she and Ginny think of this?

Ginny looked up from her drink and began to smile when she saw Harry. She stood up to flag the guys down before they got too far into the crowd. Harry finally caught her eye and tapped Ron on the shoulder to direct him toward the table.

"I'm sorry. I should have known," said Ginny. She had wondered if maybe Harry would bring Ron, but she knew if she even mentioned the possibility there was no way Hermione would have come with her.

"It's fine. It's not your fault," Hermione reassured her. She didn't have time to assess the situation further because Harry and Ron were quickly approaching the table. Hermione drank the rest of her her cocktail in two large swills to prepare herself for confronting Ron. The liquid burned all the way down, but she could feel a light, airy feeling coming over her. She could do this, she thought.

"Hi Ginny," Harry said giving her a quick, chaste kiss. "Hi Hermione." He walked around the table to give one of his oldest friends a hug. They had remained as close as ever, but as they had gotten older they began to see less and less of each other. Harry was happy to see Hermione out on a Friday night and even participating in the fun as he could see by her empty glass.

Ron waved awkwardly to his sister and Hermione. Hermione wasn't sure what she was supposed to do. Should she give him a hug? Should she shake his hand?

"Nice to see you, Ron," she said. A simple greeting seemed to be the only action she could muster.

"You too," he said. "I've never seen you guys at The Tower before."

"Oh, do you come here a lot?"

"Yeah, Harry and I have been out a few time. Great live music."

"It's a bit loud," Hermione said putting a hand on her empty glass. There was a tense pause where no one was sure if Ron and Hermione's conversation was going to turn into an argument, or if Ron was going to let it go.

"How about another drink?" Harry interjected. He grabbed Hermione's empty glass from her grasp and then beckoned Ginny to come with him.

"Grab one for me, mate!" Ron yell after them. "I'm sorry, I didn't know," he said turning back to Hermione.

"Know what?" Hermione asked although she knew perfectly well why he was apologizing. She didn't want to let on that she was surprised to see him and disappointed to find out she really didn't have a date after all. Part of her knew he might be here though, and maybe that part did want to talk to him. Maybe they could work toward a friendly relationship.

"I'm sorry I'm not someone else. I'm sure you didn't expect to run into me again. Funny coincidence, huh?" He tried to laugh, but the sound came out unsure. "But I did mean what I said the other day. We should try speaking to each other again."

"It's not your fault," she relented. "I'm sure you didn't know I would be here either. And maybe you're right. We should try talking again. It would be weird to stop now. Let's just be civil and enjoy our night for Harry and Ginny's sake at least."

"Right, wouldn't want to ruin Harry's chances with my sister," Ron started, but Hermione gave him a stern look and he stopped the thought. She was glad he was willing to try. "Fine, you're right. Let's not ruin their night."

Hermione wanted to continue to talk to Ron, but Harry and Ginny returned with drinks for the table. Ginny was giggling at something Harry had said, but immediately stopped as soon as she reached the table. They set the drinks down on the table and then Harry raised his glass.

"To friendship," he said and they all drank.

Soon, the new band finished setting up and began to play their latest hit. The song was another bass thumping ball of energy that swept over the crowd. People began to dance again feeling the rhythm flow through the room.

Ginny grabbed Hermione's arm and practically begged her to go dance. "It will be so much fun," she said. "Here, just drink the rest of this and you'll be good to go." She handed Hermione the refreshed glass and urged her to finish. Hermione shrugged and started to drink. She was already feeling light at this point, so why not keep going? The burning of the alcohol had gone as she got used to the taste and all that was left was the delightful fruity fizz.

"Okay, let's go," she said setting down the empty glass. Ginny clapped in approval and drug Hermione out on to the dance floor. Dancing together Hermione could feel the effects of the alcohol coursing through her body. She felt relaxed and free. She wasn't afraid to dance and attempt to look good doing it. Running her hands through her hair Hermione let her loose waves fall out of the bun and cascade down her shoulders. It was just her, Ginny, and the music.

A pair of hands wrapped around her waist, and she began to dance with someone else. At first she thought it was Ron, so she continued to feel the rhythm and let her hips sway in his large palms. Hermione turned around to put her arms around Ron's neck, but as she moved to face him she realized he wasn't Ron at all.

Draco Malfoy stood over her with his hands on her hips. Hermione stopped for a moment unsure of what she should do next. Should she go back to the table? She had lost track of Ginny, but she was having so much fun out on the floor. Fuck it, she thought. Her arms laced around Draco's neck as she had intended to do to Ron and they continued to rock to the beat.

Draco had mellowed out after the war. 'Friends' was not a word Hermione would use to describe them, but they were at least acquaintances. She saw him at the Ministry sometimes and they always gave a friendly nod. Why not go ahead and dance with him. She had been already, right? Although, she didn't know it before now.

"You look so sexy tonight," Draco said in her ear. Hermione's thoughts slowed for a minute processing what he had said. No one ever described her as sexy. Ron hadn't even used that word when they were dating. And why not? She was sexy, she thought. Maybe she didn't always wear dresses this small, but she was sexy dammit.

"You don't look that bad either," Hermione admitted to him. She kissed on the cheek as she pulled her head back from his ear hoping to maintain his interest.

"Come home with me, Granger," he said to her in his smooth voice. How she wanted to go with him. Really, she would go with anyone at this point. She'd had enough to drink that she was starting to realize that all she really wanted was to be loved. Even for only one night she wanted to feel special to someone. She wanted to matter again. If not to Ron then at least to another man.

Hermione started to lean forward to suggest they go back to his place when she felt someone grab her from behind. Harry, Ginny, and Ron had found her and pulled her away from Draco.

"How dare you!" bellowed Ron holding on the Hermoine's waist from behind. Ginny held on to her arm for emphasis while Harry drew his wand.

"I didn't do anything! We were just dancing!" Draco said defensively. He held his hands up in surrender feigning innocence.

"We saw you," Ginny accused him. "I had to go find Harry before you tried something, you bastard." Ginny drew her own wand while keep ahold of Hermione.

"Take her," Draco said. "A good lay isn't worth this kind of trouble. Sorry, Granger."
"I'll show you who's sorry!" Ron raged. Harry hit Draco with a paralyzing spell before Ron could even get to him. Draco's body fell back stiff as a board and lay in the middle of the dance floor. Even though some people had gotten out of the way, many continued to dance around Draco's paralyzed form.

"Let's get out of here," Harry said.

mmm

The next morning Hermione woke with a start. She sat up scared and out of sorts looking at the room around her. The room wasn't in her own flat and she definitely wasn't in her own bed. Nearly screaming Hermione realized not only was she not in her own room, she wasn't alone.

Ron Weasley lay next to her snoring as if not even a natural disaster could wake him. She looked down at herself scared at what might have happened last night after the club. Her body didn't feel any different, but she was wearing a tent size Chudley Cannon's shirt over her black dress. Looking at Ron, he was in the same button down and jeans he had worn to the club last night.

Hermione settled back down into the sheets confident that nothing had happened between them. Perhaps he had just wanted to make sure she didn't get sick after drinking so much. Come to think of it her head was in absolute agony. All the more reason to lay back down next to him. Maybe she would pretend to still be asleep instead of sneaking out now. In fact, maybe she would get a little closer to Ron and savor the human contact. Then suddenly, she made up her mind. That's exactly what she wanted. She wanted to be together with Ron once more- staple gunned to his side.