A/N: I'm nearly finished with Chapter 9, so I decided to edit and upload Chapter 4 tonight. This chap, as the title suggests, is all Hermione & Draco's first date. It starts when he picks her up and ends when they go back home. You get some insight into Hermione's mental state and view of her new surroundings, learn a bit about how his parents raised Draco, and I even added a tribute to 'The Muddy Princess' that if you've read it, you'll recognize. It's a line that stuck with me as a defining characteristic of Narcissa Malfoy in Colubrina's fic, and I thought it worked well with my characterization of the Malfoy parents in this fic.
Happy Reading!
Early the next evening Draco arrived at Nott Manor to take Hermione on their first date. He felt nervous. First, he was going to see a movie and then they were eating. He'd never had muggle food. And had no idea what a movie was despite her attempts to explain it to him. He just knew that Scarhead and his pet orangutan wouldn't do what he was about to do. He also knew it was important to Hermione. Still, from an early age Draco had been told the muggle world was horrible and unsafe. He knew, logically, most of what he was told were lies. However, Draco found it hard to shake what his father had practically seared into his brain.
Draco took a deep breath and knocked on the door, shifting his feet nervously. Theo opened the door and said she'd be right down and Draco nodded, stepping inside. He was relieved that Theo didn't make a comment about how nervous he was. He suddenly heard his name and he looked to see Hermione coming down the stairway. He inhaled sharply. She looked stunning.
Hermione was wearing jeans that were snug and showed off those legs he'd seen when they spent the day in the pool. Her top was a v-neck t-shirt which showed more cleavage than Draco had ever seen before. "Wow," he said, unaware of the glare Theo shot him as Draco openly ogled his sister.
Hermione ignored her brother and smiled at Draco. He really did look good in jeans. And in a t-shirt, not a button-down. She felt like she'd accomplished something, getting him in casual clothing. Maybe next time they'd work on shoes. Though for now she was excited for their date. It was her first real date. The Yule Ball with Krum didn't count, in Hermione's opinion. They'd had little to no privacy all evening. This date they'd have plenty of privacy. Plus, the Yule Ball ended in tears because Ron was a jealous and possessive git. Draco was possessive, she knew that, but he also could control his emotions. That was an attractive feature. "Hello Draco. You look great."
"Muggles really know what they're doing with fashion," Draco said, making her laugh. He offered her his hand and pulled her toward him when she accepted it, "You look phenomenal."
"Thank you," she kissed his cheek, "We'll be back later Theo."
"Behave yourself Draco," Theo informed his friend, giving him an intimidating glare for good measure.
"I'll bring her back safe and sound," Draco promised.
"Let's go before Theo turns into my dad even more," Hermione said, dragging Draco toward the door. Theo stuck his tongue out at his sister in response.
Once the door was shut they walked down to the apparition point and Hermione took him away. They arrived in an alley and she looked around before pulling him out of the alley and toward a large building, "Thank you for coming into this world with me," Hermione said to him as they waited to cross the street.
"I want to learn this stuff," Draco admitted. "And if the muggle world can raise you so well it can't be as bad as I was told."
Hermione knew it was hard for him. It was hard for Theo and Lucius was far worse than their father from what she knew (which admittedly wasn't much). If Draco didn't want to talk about it to her yet, that was fine. Theo absolutely refused to talk about everything his father had said and done over the years to earn his son's hatred and Draco was even more private. "Well I really appreciate it," she smiled.
Draco nodded and laced their fingers. It was nice, getting to hold her hand without Theo or her father around to intrude. Hermione leaned into him as they crossed the street to the theater. While Hermione had taken Theo to see the movie Twister, she wanted to see something new and Independence Day had just opened. Disaster movies seemed the best thing to introduce the boys to. She had already explained what movies were to Draco and Theo had assured him that it was enjoyable so she felt he'd be more willing to view it if it was similar to what Theo had witnessed.
Knowing appearances were important to Draco and Theo, she had spent twenty minutes going over muggle money with them; so Draco was obviously pleased to be able to pay for the tickets. Hermione bought them some popcorn and they walked into the movie theater, Draco intrigued by the fluffy white treat. She picked out their seats, toward the back of the movie theater, and they settled in together. Once Draco was sure that they wouldn't be overheard (they'd arrived early and most people seemed to be wanting to sit in the middle of the theater) he asked her, "So how does it feel going from muggleborn to pureblood heiress?"
"Very strange," Hermione answered. "I left school certain of my life and then a week later everything's upside down." Draco nodded. He certainly understood that it had to be a jarring experience. He didn't know how he'd feel in Hermione's place. She looked at him, "But there have been positives. Theo for one and, though a month ago I'd have laughed out loud, you've been very helpful."
"Me? Really?" They hadn't had that much one-on-one interaction, so he was surprised he was being helpful to her adjusting to her new life.
"Your situation gave me something to focus on other than my own situation," she elaborated. "With a task to focus on, I could put off the things I didn't want to deal with or couldn't yet deal with. That's been a very good thing."
Well that was a pleasant surprise for him. He gazed at her smile. It was sincere, and relaxed. He was certain he knew the answer but asked anyway, "But you feel more settled now?"
"Yes," Hermione nodded. "Even if it's only been a little over a week I do feel settled in at the manor. Certainly enough to go on a date with you," she winked.
"I'm glad," Draco smiled. "I'm enjoying it so far."
Hermione could see his leg shaking and knew he was probably at least a little anxious. She held out the tub of popcorn, "Try some. You'll like it." Draco did like it and they sat together, eating popcorn and talking quietly about the movie they were about to see and Hermione's frequent trips to the movies with her parents. Draco felt a little jealous as the subject of the Grangers came up. They seemed like the kind of parents every child would want. Well, minus the lack of sugar because they were dentists. Draco wasn't as into sweets as some of his schoolmates but he did enjoy them and Hermione made it clear she didn't get very many as a child.
The movie was a strange but interesting experience. Draco quite enjoyed himself and again found himself impressed with muggle ingenuity. As they exited the theater Hermione asked, "Well?"
"It was really good," Draco answered. "I liked it." Hermione beamed with pride. Once they were outside he looked at her, "Dinner now?"
"Yes," she nodded, "this way then."
They walked along the sidewalk, hand in hand. "Do you feel awkward, dating your brother's best friend?"
Hermione decided to be honest, "Yes, a little bit. Theo glaring at you for checking me out is annoying. I'm intentionally dressing to get your attention, after all. I want you to check me out."
"I find it awkward too," Draco admitted. "I mean, I won't let it stop me because you're gorgeous and we Malfoys always get the best," she laughed at that and Draco continued, "But I do find it difficult to do things I want to with you."
"Like what?"
Draco stopped walking and turned her to face him, "This," he answered, leaning in and kissing her.
Her eyes fluttered closed and she smiled into the kiss. It didn't last very long and Draco had soon pulled back. Hermione opened her eyes, "I wouldn't mind more of that."
"Me either," he grinned at her. "Just say the word and I'll kiss you some more."
"Snogging will be awkward," Hermione mused. "But I'm sure we'll come up with something. Maybe if we find Theo a girlfriend?"
"He's difficult when it comes to girls," Draco frowned. "He's very picky."
"I'm sure that we can find someone for him," Hermione said. "After all, we're the best two students in our year."
"That is true," Draco nodded. "Very true. Alright, I'm willing to play matchmaker for Theo. But for the record, only because snogging you without him around is a very appealing thought."
"I'm glad you think so," she blushed slightly. It was nice getting such attention from Draco, but she was certainly not used to it. Harry was obtuse to her even being a girl and Ron wasn't shy about insulting her appearance or trying to make her feel undesirable.
"For that to make you blush is surprising. Given your willingness to make me speechless using your body," Draco elaborated.
"Ron speaks without thinking and often insults me," Hermione admitted. "Frankly, you caused less insecurities than he has. After he blew up at Viktor taking me to the Yule Ball fourth year I figured he must have a crush on me but the way he puts me down…it's just odd."
"Weasley's full of insecurities. You're smarter and better at magic than him, Potter's more famous than he'll ever be, and Weasley's only real claim to fame is being Potter's sidekick and beating a giant chess set. Not much to gloat about," Draco pointed out.
Hermione nodded. That was true. "Why do boys have to pick on girls they have crushes on?"
"Because most of us are idiots," Draco answered, making her laugh.
Hermione pointed to the fish and chips place she'd previously taken Theo to and they entered the crowded restaurant. She pulled Draco to her to keep him close and seeming to take the hint the blonde wrapped his arms around her as she stood in line to order, "You do like fish right?"
"Yes," he answered, "I would have said something otherwise," he smirked.
She elbowed him in the gut lightly, "Still a sarcastic git?"
"Some natural traits made my evilness more believable," he grinned. She shook her head, trying to contain her laughter. Theo had been very right. Take Draco away from a situation his father could learn about and you got a completely different person.
Hermione knew that Draco was uncomfortable in the muggle restaurant. She could see it. It wasn't obvious (he was far too good at hiding his emotions from people) but it was still there. It was the way his eyes flitted about. How he chose a seat facing the door and also inconspicuously examined the table to verify it was clean. If she hadn't been expecting him to be uncomfortable, she was positive that she wouldn't have noticed it. Draco was incredibly subtle.
They ate dinner together, talking about the movie and about Theo's upcoming birthday in just over two weeks, "I have no idea what to get him," Hermione admitted.
"Theo's hard to shop for," Draco agreed. "Blaise is easy. Anything outrageously expensive, obscure, or whatever 'kick' he's on at the moment."
"Kick?" Hermione asked before putting a chip in her mouth.
Draco nodded, swallowing his fish, "Blaise goes through phases of obsession. For two months last year he drank nothing but coffee. And it had to be this one Vietnamese blend. Then for the next three months the only chocolate he would eat was this one chocolate bar from this one company in Italy. I could go on."
"I get the idea," Hermione said lest he continue. Theo had told her Blaise was more of a snob than Draco. Based on what Draco was saying, Theo had completely understated just how obnoxious Blaise could be.
Draco laughed, "Blaise is very strange. He's a great friend and guy, don't get me wrong, but eccentric is putting it mildly."
Hermione smiled. She could see from his interactions with Theo just how much his friends meant to Draco. It was also apparent that Theo would do practically anything for Draco and vice versa. She grew serious again, "So what should I get Theo for his birthday?"
"He's always wanted a sister and he has that now so I'd say that's hard to top," Draco winked at her. "And I mean that. He likes quidditch, he likes card games, but you…you've done more for him in only a week than anything could do for almost 16 years."
Hermione smiled. She was just as affected by having a brother but like Draco, Theo didn't showcase much emotion. She was breaking him down a bit in that regard, but it would take a long while to get Theo to let down those walls. Draco, she suspected, might take even longer. "That still doesn't really help me work out a gift for him," she pointed out.
"Does helping you get me another kiss?" He asked, popping a chip into his mouth.
"Not helping me certainly doesn't make me want to kiss you," she countered.
He swallowed and smirked at her, "I like the way you counter, Hermione. I will help you. But not tonight."
"Then I guess we'll just have to have another date so that we can be alone to talk about my brother," she smirked.
"Obviously," he winked.
Dinner was soon finished and they went for a walk through the park as the sunset grew nearer. Hermione was content to explain muggle things they'd seen on their date that he didn't understand for a bit before she asked, "Draco how do you feel about your parents?"
He blinked, surprised by the question. But he quickly recovered, "I'm assuming you're feeling conflicted about your father so I won't even ask you about it," he said. He collected his thoughts before speaking, "I hate my father. And admittedly I feel a sort of affection for my mother. Don't misunderstand me, I would happily sacrifice either of them for my friends and for you." Hermione let him continue, "They weren't exactly the warmest of parents. Never have been. My mother was raised to be a good little pureblood bride, my father was raised to be the bastard he is. I don't respect either one. I used to, until I realized they were both full of shite. Ever since then I just…I don't hate my mother but I don't feel very much affection for her. They wanted someone to show off as the heir to the Malfoy fortunes, one of the last scions of two of the greatest families," Draco rolled his eyes, "I'm proud of my family heritage, of course, but my parents? I don't feel proud of them at all. I've always thought when I got married that'd be the last they'd see of me. My mother is horrible."
"Theo's said as much."
"One time she told Blaise that he didn't sound black," Draco informed her.
Hermione stared at him, the incredulity written all over her face, "She didn't."
"Oh she did," Draco nodded, frowning at the memory. "I wasn't sure whether to be horrified or laugh. Blaise wasn't either."
"I don't think I'll ever want to meet your mother," Hermione mused.
"You won't have to," Draco smiled. "Perk of your plan. I'm running away from my family so they can't ever demand that I talk to them or introduce you to them."
Hermione smiled and pulled him in for a kiss. This time neither one pulled back right away. Instead Draco's hands moved to her hips and pulled her against him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as the kissing continued, their lips moving against one another. When they parted she rested her forehead against his, "That was really nice."
"Definitely," Draco nodded. "Better than the first one?"
"I'll need a third for comparison," she teased. Draco leaned in and their lips met again. Dating without a chaperone wasn't allowed. Kissing your intended wasn't allowed until you got engaged. Draco was rather enjoying the rulebreaking Hermione was engaging him in. He felt her tongue press against his mouth and he opened his lips obediently, moaning as their tongues met. Draco quickly began to fight for dominance with his girlfriend. Theo and then Hermione had made it rather clear that she didn't care for people who let her walk all over them and Draco was a dominant personality. When she moaned into his mouth he suppressed a smile. One arm slid low around her back to pull her flush against him while the other moved to her cheek.
When they parted after a few minutes Hermione gave a contented sigh and leaned into him as they resumed their walk. Draco did not relinquish his hold on her, "Do you want kids?"
"Yes," she answered. "I did when I thought I was an only child, and now I'd rather like to see Theo as an uncle," Hermione smiled at the thought. "But not for at least ten years. I don't want to leave Hogwarts and immediately start a family. I want to travel and settle into a career first."
"I want kids too," Draco admitted. "I want to be the father I never had."
Hermione smiled at his honesty. It was refreshing, really, to hear Draco be honest. "You will be, Draco."
"I didn't have a good role model though," he pointed out.
"So you know exactly what not to do," she reasoned. Draco laughed. That was a positive way of looking at things. And rather Hermione-like, based on all he knew about her. "Don't give up on your dreams and goals just because your father was a monster, Draco."
"I promise you that I won't," Draco said, earning him a kiss on the cheek. "Have you enjoyed our first date?"
"Very much," she smiled. "It was everything I could have wanted and more."
"Me too," he rested his head against hers, "Where do you want to go now?"
"How about home? We could walk through the gardens or curl up by the fire or something."
"I like that second one." Hermione smiled and Draco squeezed her against him, "I vote we do that second one often at Hogwarts."
Hermione laughed, "Well I suppose I could visit Slytherin to see you and my brother. Warp those precious little pureblood minds of those in your house." Draco laughed. He'd love to see Daphne and Pansy's reactions to Hermione sitting on his lap or cuddling with him. It'd be hilarious. Hermione smiled at his reaction and nudged him with her shoulder, "Let's get me home then. Though I'm not letting you go yet."
"Good," Draco said, tightening his hold as they found a hidden spot to apparate from.
When they returned to the gardens of Nott Manor Hermione pulled him to a bench near some flowers. She squeezed his hand, "So what did you think of your first meal in the muggle world? Honestly."
"It was scary," he admitted. "You probably think it's stupid but it was…it's hard to turn off being told muggles are filthy, unclean monsters all your life."
Draco instantly worried he'd revealed too much but instead Hermione shifted to sit with her legs in his lap and she took his hand in hers, "I don't think that's stupid Draco," she told him. "I think it's sad. It makes me angry at your parents for raising you that way but it's not your fault you don't know the truth. I mean, Ron's family doesn't think about muggles that way even if they think muggles are beneath them. But even Ron looks terrified when he's in a muggle environment. I once got him some muggle candy for Christmas and he asked Harry if it was safe to eat it." Draco laughed at that and she smiled, "That you would go with me despite being afraid is rather impressive, in my opinion. It certainly speaks to the fact that you genuinely want this thing between us."
"I also really like breaking pureblood rules with you," he smiled at her. She pulled him in for a kiss. "One question though- are there lots of movies like that? Because it was the best play I've ever seen with all those effects and stuff."
"I'll have to show you Jurassic Park," Hermione laughed, "yes Draco, there are loads of movies. Muggles have been making them since the early 1900s and the special effects only get better over time. I'll have to work out how to set up a muggle section of the manor to get a television to show you other movies. And video games. I think you and Theo would love video games." Then it was his turn to kiss her and she settled into it, leaning into him as their lips met again.