*Saturday Morning*

Hermione woke up early that morning, unsure of what she should wear or what she might do with her hair. She fretted over her clothes for awhile, really unsure of what she should pick... It was a date- a real date, and she didn't want to be too dressy or seem overly eager. Over the past few days she had received more notes from Draco, each one short but sweet, and they made her smile. She put the notes in her bedside table so they'd always be close at hand. Her mind wandered, thinking about how the date might go... The plan was to just walk around for a bit and maybe hang out at The Three Broomsticks. It didn't sound super complicated so why was she having such a hard time deciding on an outfit?! Hermione gave a frustrated sigh and threw herself down on her bed.

"What's got your knickers in a twist Mione?" a voice asked her.

"Oh Ginny, can you help me? You're my friend right?"

"Last I checked, why, what do you need help with?"

"Well, I've kinda got a secret date today... we're going to be meeting in Hogsmeade. I don't know what to wear or what to do with my hair. I really don't want to be too flashy, but I don't want to be too casual either. Help?" Hermione pleaded.

"Oh a date, and it's a secret? Does anyone know about it at all?" Ginny asked eagerly, starting to look through her friend's clothes, holding up a shirt. "You better not have told others and not me!"

"Well no, I haven't told anyone that I'm even going to Hogsmeade today, this is the first I've said anything to anyone. Well, besides my date of course. But it's a secret Ginny, please don't tell Harry I'll be there, I want you two to have time together."

"Thanks for that Mione, I won't tell him. But can I know who it is you are going to see?" Ginny asked, eyebrows raised. Hermione was going on a date! That was great news!

"I've wanted to tell someone so bad... but I don't want you to get upset," Hermione said quietly. It was no secret that Draco's family had a lot of animosity towards Ginny's family. While most of his ire had been aimed at her brother, Ginny had still gotten into her own share of scrapes with the Slytherins. Would her friend see this as a betrayal?

Ginny was quiet for a moment, tossing Hermione a rose colored long sleeved shirt, adorned with a flower over her hip. She also found a pair of tight low-rise jeans that she knew fit Hermione very well and tossed that over to her too.

"There I think those will be nice, pinks look good on you and the jeans are fitting but overall casual. So you won't look too eager but like you are making an effort. I'll not bother you, for now, on whom you're meeting up with, but I do want details when we get back tonight!" Ginny told her, pointing a finger. Obviously Hermione was super nervous about all of this and Ginny knew how to be a good friend. If she pressured her for details now, Hermione would just clam up and not come to her in the future. But man was she curious about whom it was supposed to be… the older witch didn't usually keep secrets.

"Okay deal! I'm sure I'll be dying to tell someone how it went, and you went through all this trouble to help me. Can you give me any advice on my hair?" Hermione asked hopefully.

Ginny nodded her head, glad to help her friend out, "I'm always willing to help you with your hair, I know you love the curls but you can definitely lose the frizz, I'll be right back, get dressed."

Hermione chuckled at her friend's comment. Her frizzy curls were the topic of many conversations between her and the female Weasleys, as well as her own mom. She pulled the curtains around her bed and quickly got dressed, appraising Ginny's choices. As she opened the curtains from around her bed and smoothed her blouse over her stomach Ginny came back in, a tube of something in her hand.

"Anti-frizz cream, works wonders."

"Ginny why do you have that, your hair isn't remotely frizzy?" Hermione responded.

"Exactly! My hair might not frizz as much as yours is capable of but it does frizz enough to aggravate me. This will smooth your hair but leave all your curls in place, you'll look wonderful."

"Well I'll give it a shot, I don't want to go out with hair like this." Hermione gave in, sitting on the bed.

Ginny came up behind and started spreading the cream in Hermione's hair, gently working it in with her fingers all the way down to her tips. Then she grabbed Hermione's brush and started running that through her hair to smooth her hair even more.

"OK, all done, let's go look at you in the bathroom, you're going to love it," Ginny promised, leading her friend to a mirror.

Hermione held her breath as she came up to the mirror, unsure of what to expect. Her mind quickly flashed back to the Yule Ball and how much effort it had taken to tame her curls back then- this seemed way too easy. She heard herself gasp as she looked at her reflection; her hair was all smooth curls with no frizz. Carefully raising her hands, she ran her fingers through her hair, amazed at the lack of snags she felt.

"Oh Ginny, this is amazing, all it took was that cream? Why couldn't we have had that for the Yule Ball? And this will be okay out in the weather?"

"Yea, I use it a lot, cold or humid weather is fine, although it's anyone's game if it starts to pour. But the weather is nice out today, don't worry about it. This is how your curls should look, clumping together just right, smooth and shiny. Do you want me to pick some of this stuff up for you?" Ginny asked, holding up the tube of Miss Mari's Miracle Mane Moisturizer.

"Please, that would be wonderful. I might not use it all the time, but definitely for special occasions. How much did you use?"

"A dollop, although you can always add more, so it's best to start with a little at a time until you get used to it, don't want your hair to start looking like Snape's," Ginny sniggered.

Hermione gave Ginny a hug, "Oh you're the best Ginny, thanks for everything. Should I at least change? I don't want to spoil the date and I still have to go eat breakfast.

Ginny nodded her head and told her friend to wear one of her knit caps to help hide her hair for now. As Ginny waited for her friend to reappear, she wondered again which guy Hermione was going to meet. As the brunette came back downstairs, Ginny assured her she looked about normal and the two girls made their way down to the Dining Hall. Harry was already there, eating toast and reading The Daily Prophet, Hermione was surprised he was awake.

"Awake already Harry, that's a shock," Hermione said as she sat next to him.

"I actually slept pretty good last night and woke up refreshed. First night in a long time so I decided I'd come down and get an early breakfast; then it's off to Hogsmeade, right Ginny?"

Ginny nodded her head enthusiastically as she started eating. Hermione was glad that for once, Harry hadn't thought to include her. Sometimes his (and Ron's) blatant disregard for her girlish feelings paid off, although mostly it just caused strife. Hermione's stomach was fluttering, she purposefully kept her gaze on her friends and her meal. If she were to sneak a glance at the Slytherin table, she'd never stop blushing and even Harry was bound to notice that. Once the three of them were through with breakfast, Hermione and Ginny ran upstairs to change before they made their way out onto the front lawn and towards the gates. Hermione had asked if she could accompany them on the way into the village, but told Harry that she was only going to pick up a few things so they needn't wait on her. Ginny snuck her friend a smile, knowing full well that she was going to be there most of the day. Sadly Harry was still completely oblivious to Hermione's change of outfit- sometimes she wondered how he survived with his lack of observational skills!

As the trio came up to Hogsmeade, Hermione excused herself as her friends immediately went to the Spintwitches Quidditch Supply store. She slowly wandered the streets, not wanting to get to the pub too early. It was still a bit before noon when Hermione couldn't wait anymore and made her way over to the popular shop. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach as she came up to the door, trying to casually lean against the wall and appear nonchalant. Taking a few deep breaths, Hermione tried to prevent herself from touching her hair, not wanting to mess it up. She was just so nervous!

Draco looked at his watch, it was only 11:30 but he couldn't wait any longer; he headed to the pub to meet with his date. As soon as he rounded the corner, he saw Hermione leaning up against the wall, the sight of her took his breath away. He had grown so accustomed to seeing her in her school robes... he had no idea how much she'd grown up. When had Hermione become so curvy? He really shouldn't have been too surprised, it was just a few days ago that he had pressed her up against Myrtle's bathroom door. But to really see her curves in such a Muggle outfit, he suddenly wanted to kiss her senseless... and her hair looked so soft and tame- quite an unexpected change. He casually made his way over to her, lightly clearing his throat not wanting to startle her. As she looked up and saw that it was him, a bright smile took over her face.

Hermione took in the sight of Draco, he looked impeccable as always, wearing black slacks and a forest green turtle neck. She noticed that he had been forgoing the gel in his hair lately, she really like the tousled look better on him. Unable to contain herself, she ran up to Draco and wrapped her arms around him, catching him by surprise.

"Hello Hermione, early as usual I see," Draco teased as he wrapped his arms around her. He couldn't recall the last time he was welcomed so warmly. Sure Pansy was always trying to cling to him but never like this- it wasn't as genuine, more proof that Pansy was just after his name.

"I came with Harry and Ginny and I just couldn't wait any longer, but you're early too!" Hermione reminded him.

Draco chuckled in agreement, it would seem as though both of them had been waiting eagerly for today to arrive. He pulled away from the hug, looking into her eyes and running his fingers through her curls, "You look absolutely stunning Hermione," Draco whispered.

Hermione blushed, "It's only a top and some jeans, you really think so?"

"I do, I'm sure you'd look absolutely stunning in anything you'd choose to wear, but when I first saw you here, leaning up against the wall, you took my breath away. It's refreshing to see you in something other than your school robes," Draco assured her. He took her hand and led her away from the pub, "Come on, let's get to know each other."

Hermione felt like her cheeks were going to break if she smiled any bigger but she couldn't stop. She let him pull her along, hand in hand as they wandered the shops. Neither of them had a destination in mind, casual conversation filling the air.

"So, was it hard for you to focus on schoolwork? I was totally distracted, I couldn't wait for today," Hermione admitted.

"Yea, I was pretty distracted myself, it was a nice change to the stress I've been feeling though. I still kinda feel like this is a dream or something, as sappy as that sounds," Draco answered, blushing slightly at his admission. This was so different for him, he always played things cool… He'd had a few flings over the years, but nothing really meaningful. School was important to him, he knew that he had to get good grades in order to do well in the Wizarding world. Serious girlfriends were a luxury he didn't think he could afford.

"I've felt the same all week. I kept reading the notes you sent me to make sure I hadn't imagined it. Thank you for that by the way, it means a lot to me," Hermione whispered. It really did feel amazing to be thought of by a guy. So of course she was going to let him know that she appreciated it and didn't take it for granted.

"I'll admit, it surprised me that I wrote the first one, but I needed you to know how serious my feelings were, and I don't regret sending it. Then I decided I'd write a few others on top of that. I've just never done anything like that before, you really bring out a different side in me."

"Is that a bad thing?" Hermione wondered.

"I don't think it is... do you? Ever since that first meeting we had, I've really wanted to change myself," Draco started, pulling her down to sit on a bench. "Since I was a kid, I could recite my lineage back 6 generations on both my mother's and father's side and I had to know the names of all the other Pure-blood families. It was ingrained in me that Pure-blood lineage was what mattered, not looks, not love, only family lineage. I heard a lot of derogatory terms from my parents growing up, and of course all of their friends too… it was normal for me."

"So, what changed?"

"I met the Dark Lord," Draco admitted, looking down at his hands. He knew not everyone believed that he was back, a lot of people reacting the same way as Fudge had- with denial. But he knew that Hermione believed- her best friend had already faced him many times.

Hermione blinked in surprise, Draco had seen him, face to face?"When? What happened?"

"It wasn't until fifth year, during the Christmas holidays," Draco started to explain in a quiet voice. "It was a brief meeting really, he came to the Manor to speak to my father. I had heard that he had come back at the end of our 4th year, and I tried to play it off. But I knew; my father spoke about it with my mother and I, about how the coming years were going to be very important. But I wasn't prepared to meet him, the way he spoke... looked at me... like I was nothing. Father introduced me, saying I was his heir, second in my class. Just that short meeting made me realize what kind of person he was... I sat outside the door listening to him talk to my father about some mission. I know now what it was he wanted my father to do, but back then I was confused. All that I knew was how he treated my father, the man I looked up to, like he was a speck of dirt. My father- a Pure-blood, was being treated as a pawn; I couldn't stand it, I thought my father was stronger than that! But he just took it, let himself be ordered around... by a Half-blood who was killed by a baby! Well I guess he wasn't truly dead because he came back but everyone thought he was dead for years."

"That must have been awful Draco," she sympathized.

"It was hard, especially since afterward my father went to Azkaban for doing his bidding. He should have known better- trying to break into the Ministry… what a fool. But he had orders to go after Potter and the rest of you. And this time, he couldn't weasel his way out of it… my mother has been beside herself since he was arrested. That was when I started to realize that blood purity didn't stop you from going to Azkaban, that money can only do so much for you. But really, when you go against the rules, there will be consequences, and killing people, th-that's the darkest thing you can do," he stammered.

"Come on, let's go to Honeydukes- you like candy right? Let's brighten this date," Hermione urged him, pulling him up from the bench. As grateful as she was that he chose to confide in her, she wanted today to be happy- it was their first date!

"Sounds like a good idea, who would turn away Honeydukes?" Draco agreed, putting his arm over her shoulder and pulling her closer. He couldn't believe he had told her about his experience meeting the Dark Lord... sure, she knew about his family's ties but... would this scare her away? This wasn't exactly the way he thought the first date was going to go, seriously, how romantic… But Hermione had listened, had recoiled in disgust, for now… And she was doing her best to keep the date happy, Draco appreciated that.

The pair made their way into Honeydukes, glad that the store was busy as usual, hopefully they'd be able to blend in better that way. Draco followed Hermione as she browsed, curious about what sweets she liked. He noticed she picked up some Toothflossing Stringmints and vaguely remembered something about her parents being some sort of Muggle teeth healers. She also picked up some Sugar Quills and Chocolate Frogs, turning towards Draco with a raised brow.

"Are you just going to see what I pick out?" she teased.

"Oh I'm just learning more about you, the kind of sweets you like says a lot about you I think."

"Well, then I'm eager to see what you might buy here then," Hermione giggled, waiting.

Draco smirked and took the lead around the store. He usually got fudge from his mother on the holidays but the treacle fudge here was delicious so he picked some up, along with Shoc-o-Chocs, Ice Mice, and Glacial Snowflakes. Hermione raised her eyes at the Shoc-o-Choc wondering if that was really for him.

"I got a taste for them after we, of the Inquisitorial Squad, received them with the Howlers. Not that you would know anything about that right?"

"Oh God, that group, total Umbridge pets! Spoiling everyone's fun, getting everyone in trouble, you were unbearable last year," Hermione chuckled. Of course that was putting it mildly- what Umbridge and her rules had stood for were absolutely terrifying! But it was in the past, another year that her and her friends had survived.

Despite the truth in her statement, Draco could see that she was relaxed and joking, so he smiled as well, glad that she could make light of those times. He had been particularly nasty that year, the power going to his head. "I'll let you try some of my Shoc-O-Chocs if you let me have some of your Frogs? Fair trade?"

"I don't know, I've never had those, and what if I don't like them, seems like a gamble to me," she said, heading up to the front to pay. They'd sent the Shoc-o-Chocs as a 'gift' for a reason, and not because they thought so highly of the Squad.

"Ok, if you don't like them, I'll share my fudge with you," Draco amended. He had thought about paying for her, but he could tell by the way she purposefully pulled out her coin purse that she wasn't going to let him offer. After he paid for his assorted sweets, they made their way back outside and put their goodies in their pockets.

"Where to next, we still have a few hours here, was there anything you wanted to see?" Hermione asked.

"Well I won't drag you to the Quidditch shop, I stopped by there earlier since I know you don't fly, so why not go to Tomes and Scrolls?"

"Really, you'd go with me to Tomes and Scrolls? I can spend forever in there you know, are you sure? This is me we're talking about."

"Of course I'm sure, I like to read too, although nowhere near as much as you I'm sure. Maybe you'll let me buy you something?" Draco offered sincerely.

Hermione blushed and nodded shyly before pulling him towards the bookstore. Draco laughed at her enthusiasm and followed her inside. They browsed for a while, each picking out a few books they'd enjoy; as they went up to pay, Draco took one of the books from her pile to buy for her. He wrapped his arm around her again as they shrunk their new purchases to fit in their pockets, lightly kissing her forehead.

"You ready to head to The Three Broomsticks? I'm about ready for a Butterbeer, how about you?" Draco proposed.

Hermione nodded enthusiastically leaning into his side, attracted to his warmth. She hadn't been this happy all year, especially not since her and Ron had their falling out. The pub was as crowded as usual and Hermione motioned that she'd go find a spot for them while Draco went to buy some drinks. She found a small table near the middle of the pub, waving to a few fellow Gryffindors and even some Ravenclaws that she recognized. It was warm inside and Hermione was glad she hadn't brought a coat... she disliked leaving her coat over chairs- she always felt like she was going to leave them behind. When you were friends with Harry, sometimes you had to make a quick exit.

"Here you go Miss Granger, a Butterbeer for you," Draco smiled as he placed her drink in front of her and sat next to her, casually draping his arm over her chair. Hermione smiled at him, glad that he wasn't shy about being seen with her; it was only their first date and neither of them knew what their classmates would say. The first few minutes went by quietly, the two of them sharing small talk before they noticed a few people staring. Draco was doing his best to keep her engaged though, so she wouldn't feel self-conscious about it but the mood was shattered quite suddenly.

"MALFOY, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?"

A/N: didn't really change much here, just fixed errors and added some of my new style into the mix. I'm pretty happy with this chapter though, didn't have to do much =D