A/N: I don't own these characters.

I really do have to apologize for my sporadic updating. I have the timeline and a series of notes so I know how I plan to do the story, I just often have trouble connecting the major dots. Thank you to Grovek26 and mlangu for reviewing!

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Saturday Hermione awoke late, wondering if she had dreamt of her interaction with Draco. It was a bit maddening. There was a certain disconnect between the two personas—Hermione Granger and Rose Noir. She daren't think that Rose Noir was a separate entity, but Hermione was still a little jealous of the ease Draco would speak with her. Hermione Granger couldn't even start a conversation with him while he waited at Blaise's desk. Instead of dwelling on the subject, Hermione decided to blame Draco who shouldn't have been so shirty when he met her at Hogwarts—it was just immature.

She spent the rest of the day lounging and reading. She reviewed her notes from the Muggle Grams and contemplated where would be the next best tour to take. After dinner, Hermione prepared to go to Le Chat Noir when she was actually scheduled to work. She wondered with forced indifference if Draco would be there—he did owe her a drink, after all. She scanned the crowd for platinum hair, irritatingly disappointed when she could not find him. While she performed with the same ease she had developed with practice, she was noticeably less engaged without Draco to tease. Realizing that the lack of Draco's presence disturbed her left Hermione in a foul mood that continued on Sunday when she arrived at the Weasley's for dinner. Yet it only took the customary Weasley hugs and a quick hand placed on Ginny's swelling baby bump before Hermione felt alleviated of her thoughts.

"Ronald, how did your date with Lavender go?" Hermione asked, amused when his face turned a bright red.

"We took the Tube—it was bloody terrifying. " Hermione laughed. "Really, Hermione, I think you can handle a broom if you can handle that beast."

"He says he didn't even squeal once!" Ginny added, causing Ron to blush more.

"I'm serious, Gin! Not a single sound! Nearly fell when we got off the thing but Lavender said it was charming." Ginny snorted.

"She always did like your clumsiness." She added laughing. Hermione laughed as well; she was finally able to let the jealousy dissolve into good natured fondness. Lavender had nearly died in the final battle and if that didn't speak of dedication and character, than Hermione did not know what did.

"So when is your next date, Ron?" Hermione asked.

"She said she'd show me around London, do some of the tours." Hermione clapped her hand approvingly.

"You must tell me everything that happens! That's very much what we did at the Muggle Grams this past weekend! Make sure you note what locations you go to, what she explains—oh! What difficulties she had adjusting and how she overcame them—" Hermione was stopped when Ron held up his hands.

"Easy there, Hermione. You know I won't remember or ask any of that." Hermione pouted. "But I will tell her about your Muggle Grams and maybe you can get in contact with her?"

"That would be excellent! She'd make a wealth of information." Hermione agreed.

"And she's a friend." Hermione slowed her excitement, ducking her head abashed.

"Yes, Ron. She's a friend and I would really like to see how she's doing. When will she be coming to a Weasley dinner?" Ron was blushing again.

"Aw c'mon, Hermione. It'll still be a few weeks, yeah? Before she gets exposed to all this." Ron gestured to the table where Bill was talking animatedly to Mr. Weasley while Fleur was chatting with Mrs. Weasley. Teddy was making different faces at Victorie who adored the attention. George and Fred were talking behind their hands, shifty eyes looking around that led Hermione to believe there was some trick to be had. Ginny and Harry were mooning after each other, their hand's resting on Ginny's belly. Hermione realized that it was chaotic and loud—something she had grown accustomed to since befriending Ron.

"Probably for the best you wait a smidge." Hermione agreed. "Although you really should go to my Muggle Gram." Ron nodded.

"I'll make one, I promise." Hermione smiled sincerely. She was proud of Ron and loved watching him grow form the immature, emotionally incompetent friend he once was. She was so very happy for him and Harry and Ginny, but she couldn't help but feel lonely as she realized people were moving on with their significant others. For once in her life, Hermione truly felt that she was behind her peers. She wondered where she would even go about meeting a boyfriend—certainly not any of her coworkers at the ministry. There was maybe a likeminded individual she could meet at one of her muggle grams, though she doubted that, too. Dancing was likely to produce less than ideal boyfriend material. She supposed it would be a random occurrence—like running into someone in the grocery store. She turned to watch Harry and Ginny, the latter of which caught her eye. Ginny straightened from her huddle with Harry to peer at Hermione.

"So the Bulgarians are arriving Wednesday." Ginny commented with a faux nonchalance. "A certain bulky Bulgarian will be in town," Ginny all but sang. Hermione looked at her with disgust.

"Bulky Bulgarian?" She repeated incredulously. "Who are you—Rita Skeeter?" Ron snorted with a laugh.

"Just something to think of." Ginny dimpled. Hermione mock-glared at her before pudding exploded, drenching them in pie filling. Hermione turned towards the twins who were laughing as Mrs. Weasley roared to life. Teddy and Victorie had begun to throw the exploded filling around. Ginny and Hermione shared a glance before tossing back their head, laughing.

Later, when dinner was over and Hermione returned home, she would indeed think of Viktor. When an owl flew to her window with a letter inviting her out for Saturday brunch, she would think even more of what Viktor could mean to her. She did not have grand aspirations for romance—not from him. But he had been her most recent (and only) intimate companion and it had been quite some time since. She would see him expecting nothing because at the very least Viktor was a good friend. But just in case, because Hermione Granger liked to be prepared, she switched her day for dancing so Saturday night would be free—just as a precaution.

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"The Bulgarian team is in town. Maybe you should see if you're old chum, Krum, wants to meet up." Blaise said with a laugh, no doubt recalling Draco's fawning over the athlete in fourth year. Draco glared at him.

"I spent the entire time graciously welcoming him to Hogwarts and he ends up clinging to Hermione Granger of all people." Draco shook his head in disbelief. "I think our interests are far too diverted." Blaise snickered.

"Ah yes, I recall the look on Pansy's face when she descended down the stairs. It was amusing to watch everyone eat the hatred the spewed at her." Blaise smiled.

"You say that in retrospect now that you are friends." Draco challenged. Blaise shrugged.

"I have no problem admitting when I'm wrong." Blaise admitted.

"When it works to your advantage." Draco amended. Blaise smiled softly.

"And it has. Opening my world let me find Claire." Draco scoffed, feeling uncomfortable with the unusually romantic admission. Sensing his discomfort, Blaise returned to the original topic. "Besides, Viktor seems like a rather pleasant guy." Draco eyed him suspiciously.

"How would you know?" He asked.

"He personally delivered flowers to Hermione's this morning. She was at a meeting so he waited and we spoke." Draco looked at Blaise, annoyed.

"Hah, what is Krum doing? Trying to court Granger again? That's a touch pathetic."

"Granger still needs to fill her plus one. If she wants to fill it with a Quidditch superstar, I would not be opposed."

"Better choice than Weasley, I suppose. She's probably desperate, in any case." Draco said as he examined his fingertips with indifference. He still noticed Blaise's frown out of the corner of his eye.

"Remind me who you are bringing as a plus one?" Blaise asked, pointedly.

"Maybe I'll go stag. No witch can tame me." Draco smirked. Blaise gave a soft laugh.

"Speaking of stag, Krum's apparently going to Le Chat Noir this Friday with the team. That place should be raining Galleons with as many wizards that have been going there." Blaise commented. Draco instantly thought of Rose and wondered if she would be there.

"Maybe he'll take a fancy to that dancer, too. Although who knows if she works Fridays." Blaise continued.

"She's worked Friday's before." Draco spoke before he thought about it. Blaise looked at him with thinly concealed curiosity.

"Oh?" Blaise smirked. Draco flushed. "How would you know?"

"Terrence Higgs and Adrian Pucey went there last Friday." Draco answered as casually as possible. Blaise's smile, however, widened.

"And they informed you that specific dancer happened to be there." Blaise nettled. Irritated, Draco crossed his arms across his chest and turned to look at another direction.

"Obviously I was there, too." Draco answered, miffed.

"I hadn't realized you were this enthralled. Shall I list her as your plus one—to Draco Malfoy and random Muggle Dancer?" Draco scoffed. "Although who knows, maybe while you stall Viktor Krum will snatch her up and you really will be going stag." Draco turned his head up arrogantly.

"A stupid oaf like Krum? He's nothing without Quidditch. Witches aren't exactly falling for his charm and good looks." Draco said acidly. "And neither would a muggle." Blaise laughed, letting the topic drop. But his shite eating grin never waned.

Later, Draco would go home and let the conversation eat at him. What if Krum did take interest in Rose? What if Krum bought her a drink? What would be the chances of that even occurring? What if she could be his plus one—disregarding the fact he probably wasn't even invited? Draco cursed as he changed his clothes, intent to quell his fears and just check if she was even there.

Going by himself was a new low, he decided. Walking in with a stag party or with colleagues was acceptable; Draco walking in by himself was pathetic. Yet the host took him as a single with not even a second look—just a knowing glance that made Draco feel ashamed. He briefly wondered what his father would say.

Draco was seated at a small table right behind where their stag party had been—the Bulgarian Quidditch team was seated there instead. Draco could make out Krum seated only a few people down before the lights dimmed on the stage. Girls strutted out for the opening group number. Draco felt something in his gut drop when he saw a familiar figure with a sultry smile. Turning a panicked look at Krum, Draco noticed that he looked just as enthralled as Draco had been his first time. Draco glared at him before turning back to Rose, watching her body move seductively. She locked eyes with Draco, the electricity of her gaze striking him fiercely and causing him to flush. She disappeared behind the stage. Draco switched his attention back to Krum who was talking with a fellow Bulgarian—probably about Rose. Irritated, Draco ordered a drink while promising he would not get pissed alone and would not do anything rash like first time. He merely hoped he'd be able to find her after she was done and pay for that drink he owed her.

Yet he couldn't turn away from Viktor Krum who continued to stare at Rose with a furrowed brow. He did not understand Bulgarian but could see Krum's teammates also noticed—especially when she came out to do her solo pole dance. Did Krum even blink? Draco was sure his eyes should have dried up from the intensity of his gaze. With some degree of disappointment, Draco noticed that despite the connection they had shared in the open number, Rose now looked like she was focused only on Krum, much to Draco's chagrin. Dimly he reasoned that the VIP section probably always received the most attention. Regardless, the unspoken connection rendered Draco uncomfortable and potentially a little jealous. He ordered another drink and another and forgot how hard muggle alcohol hit him.

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Hermione in no way would have suspected Viktor would show up to Le Chat Noir. Dimly she wondered how her club had become the place for wizards to dwell in the muggle world. She thought it was perhaps her unique luck to be tested. She had done her customary—new—habit of surveying the crowd for wizards she knew. She spotted Krum and felt the sharp spike of adrenaline that came with her hidden life secret hobby. She cast her spell and decided that she would always cast it if the sudden influx of wizards was anything to go by. She spotted Draco in the audience as well and marveled at the fact that he was by himself glaring at Viktor Krum. Wondering what that was about, Hermione got in place for her show.

As she emerged from the shadows she eyed Viktor. Eventually he looked at her and she thought she saw a look of confusion cross his face. Continuing to dance she snuck glances at his direction, watching as he turned to his teammates to talk about presumably her. Wondering if her spell had failed she glanced at Draco who tensed at her attention. Feeling giddy at Draco's flushed face; Hermione determined that Draco at least didn't recognize her. As she danced her solos, Hermione eyed Viktor the entire time, noticing the suspicion click with recognition. Despite her conclusion that Viktor now realized Rose Noir was Hermione, Hermione continued to dance unabashedly; Viktor of all people would never judge her.

When her performance concluded, Hermione went back stage to change. She took her wig off but and kept her short hair. She changed and touched up her makeup. She sat at her boudoir before gathering her courage to go to the bar. She was certain Viktor would have questions. She tucked her wand into her boot and left to see a man about a drink.

Stan was tending the bar. "Another day for shift drinks?" Stan commented idly. "Surely it has nothing to do with the blonde haired fit bloke—the one who shows up on your usual off day?" Stan accusingly teased. Hermione grinned back mischievously.

"Mere coincidence, Stan! I'm actually waiting for someone else." Hermione admitted. Stan waited for her to clarify. "An old fling, if you must know." Stan laughed before setting a glass of red wine before her. "Maybe I wanted the white wine, Stan." Hermione complained as she sipped the glass.

"Red is much warmer, much more inviting." Stan said with a wink. Hermione's mouth dropped open in mock surprise.

"You!" Hermione exclaimed before Stan whisked away to another area of the bar to take a customer's order. Once again, Friday night was a little emptier than Saturday when the bar was filled with people. Instead, Hermione was relatively alone. She eyed the Bulgarians who were still seated at their VIP section. She could make out Viktor's form amongst them all—his body had not changed much since they last met. Eventually, he rose and as he turned she caught his eye. To many, they could not see the change of facial expressions on his stern face but she noticed the up tilt of his lips—another confirmation that she had been recognized.

Stan looked at her cautiously but she waved him off. When Viktor was close enough, Hermione discreetly cast muffliato in the shadows beneath the bar. He smiled at her and she smiled guiltily back.

"What gave it away?" She asked and Viktor leaned in close.

"Hermione," Viktor said with practiced English and fondness. "I have seen you in very intimate ways—would you not recognize me without my long hair?" He grasped lightly to a short wisp of hair and Hermione looked down blushing.

"Well there was a spell…to make you less likely to recognize me. I was wondering what it took to cause it to fail." Hermione admitted. Viktor laughed softly.

"Ah, I am sure for many the spell works very well." Viktor mollified. Hermione laughed lightly.

"It actually works quite well on Draco Malfoy."

"The pale boy who was Death Eater? How did you try the spell?" Hermione grinned.

"He came here with a Stag Party! In fact he was here tonight!" Hermione looked at him with suspicion. "Speaking of which, why are YOU here?" Viktor looked helplessly at her.

"Team bonding?" He said and Hermione laughed.

"This is becoming the hottest wizarding spot for young bachelors, you know. My co-worker Blaise also didn't recognize me—at least not that I know of."

"It was certainly unexpected for me to see you here. I doubt any of the others could even imagine." Hermione smiled. Over Viktor's shoulder, however, she noticed Draco Malfoy approaching.

"Speaking of wizards and secrets…" Hermione nodded behind Viktor and Viktor turned around. "Also, my name is Rose." Hermione added as she subtly undid the spell. Draco came to a stop before them. He opened his mouth and closed it without saying anything. Hermione raised an eyebrow when he failed to speak, causing him to flush.

"Viktor, this is Draco Malfoy." Hermione awkwardly introduced the two to fill the silence.

"We have met." Viktor responded. "How do you do, Malfoy." Draco snapped to attention when Viktor began speaking. Hermione could see now that he was at least a little tipsy and certainly more ungainly than she had ever seen him.

"Krum." Draco acknowledged briefly. He turned back to Hermione. "Rose…how do you know each other?" He was shuffling awkwardly to Hermione's amusement, the situation utterly bizarre.

"We've just met," Hermione said with a small smile. Viktor was staring at Draco with a look that came off as menacing but Hermione knew to mean Viktor was analyzing the conversation. "May I help you with something, Draco?" Draco shuffled again and glanced at Viktor wary.

"You just looked like you were having an interesting conversation." Draco finished lamely. "What were you talking about?" Hermione waved her hand.

"Oh nothing too important. You said you knew each other—are you colleagues?" Hermione asked, knowing full well the answers but still wondering how he would respond.

"Krum visited my private school for a period of time." Draco spoke. Hermione turned to Viktor who looked bewildered at the entire situation—from what Hermione could tell. Hermione glanced back at Draco expectantly. "I owed you a drink!" Draco remembered. "I should get you one. Right now. What would you like?" Hermione felt like she was watching a train wreck. Draco Malfoy was a hot mess of nerves and she couldn't look away.

"I still have quite a bit of wine left." Hermione said, raising her glass to prove it.

"Ah." Draco smiled painfully awkward.

"Perhaps you can come back after we talk?" Viktor interrupted, staring intensely at Draco. Hermione watched as Draco pulled back his shoulders, standing up against Viktor's stare-down.

"Perhaps we can talk and you can come back after?" Draco suggested, narrowing his eyes. Viktor ignored him to look at Hermione.

"Rose," He said with a side glance at Draco. "Tomorrow, you and I—"

"Rose!" Draco interrupted, stepping in front of Viktor as if to block Hermione's view of him. "Speaking of tomorrow. Are you available Saturday night for date, a dinner—a dinner date?" He clarified.

"What?" Hermione asked, flabbergasted. She could see Viktor behind Draco making a similar face of surprise; Hermione was sure he would later find this hilarious. "A dinner date?" She repeated, heart fluttering unexpectedly. Draco smoothed his hair back in a gesture she was sure was meant to seem nonchalant. Instead she thought it made him seem anxious.

"Yes. You, me, and dinner. Because it would be a dinner date between you and me." He clarified. Still gobsmacked, Hermione responded.

"Well, yes, I suppose I am available." She was unprepared for the thrill she received when she watched his unease turn into a wide smile.

"Excellent. I'll meet you across from Charing Cross Road? Six-thirty? Yeah?" Dimly Hermione realized they were meeting across from the entrance to Diagon Alley. She nodded dumbly the affirmative. "Right. Excellent." Draco continued. He turned to Viktor with a somewhat smug smile on his face. "Great seeing you, Krum. Keep in touch." Draco thrust out his hand and Viktor shook it with the same dumbfounded expression as Hermione. Draco left with a swaggering step belaying his satisfaction.

"Well that was incredibly unexpected." Hermione said when he had disappeared. Viktor huffed, attempting to smother his laugh. When another laugh followed he could not hold it back and soon Hermione joined him.

"He does not realize who you are." Viktor said when they had calmed down.

"This is the third time we've talked—although he does look inebriated." Hermione concluded.

"Will you still make brunch?" Viktor asked.

"I will. Are you mad that I accepted his offer?" She asked sheepishly. Viktor sighed softly.

"Why did you say yes?" He asked. Hermione looked upwards, thinking. It wasn't just the surprise of his offer, she knew.

"I was curious. He's much different than when we were at Hogwarts." Hermione admitted. Viktor gave her an evaluating stare.

"He will not be happy when he discovers it is you." He ventured.

"It's just this one time. I can't imagine him dating a muggle regularly." Hermione said with a frown.

"Yet he has asked a muggle for a date—could you have seen that?" Viktor looked at her knowingly. "Your curiosity is dangerous." Hermione pouted.

"Duly noted." She said turning her head in petulance, causing Viktor to laugh. Hermione noticed as one of the Bulgarian teammates waved to get Viktor's attention.

"Ah. My teammates call. I will see you tomorrow." Viktor said, kissing the knuckles of her hand in farewell. Hermione watched him go.

"You are recruiting a following." Stan exclaimed. Hermione jumped in surprise.

"Stan—were you eavesdropping?" Hermione asked. Stan shrugged.

"I only noticed when your other admirer came over. Which one do you favor?" Hermione closed her eyes—she forgot to recast the muffliato.

"Be good, Stan." Hermione said before she stood and wandered to the exit.

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Draco left the Le Chat Noir, smug with his success. He slipped into the alleys behind the club waiting to be slightly less intoxicated before he apparated. Draco had not only stopped Krum from asking Rose on a date, but he had also succeeded in procuring the date himself. Granted, he hadn't planned that when he stormed over to interfere; it was just the first instinct he had—block the seeker and go for the snitch. He hoped that she hadn't noticed his nervousness. He hadn't asked anyone to dinner since Pansy and the Yule ball when he hadn't worried about Death Eaters and others hadn't worried about him. Yet here in muggle London, Rose Noir had accepted—admittedly that was probably because she didn't know he had witnessed people get tortured in his dining room or that he had been sent to kill his headmaster. Draco closed his eyes and resisted the urge to lean against the brick walls of the alley. What was he doing? His father was off somewhere being rehabilitated and his mother was off at their French Manor beginning a series of renovations. Draco was in a muggle London alley, asking muggles for dates after paying to watch them dance. Thinking again of the dining room that had not been entered since, Draco thought there were worse places to be.

He opened his eyes and apparated. Destination, Determination, and Deliberation—at least when he apparated he could claim he had all three.

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A/N (2): About 500 words shorter than normal but I thought it would be a little forced if I added anything more in this chapter. Sorry for the chapter delays. Please do feel free to comment and review! I love hearing from you and I wouldn't be opposed to your own ideas for how Draco/Rose (Hermione) dates would go!