A lot of it is J.K. Rowling's. In this story, a little more of it is mine.

The following day was business as usual.

I called out to Andrea as I always did, and she told me all about her bloke. They'd been living together for going on a year, and they had far surpassed that "Honeymoon period" in the relationship. Hence, she always had such interesting stories to tell me.

"So then I came into the room," she said, her tone of voice lying somewhere between infuriated and amused, "and the bloody bloke had set off some sort of spell that had the entire place in black." At my wide eyes, she added, "Literally, black. The chairs, walls, tables, all of it. Just pitch black. I'd never seen anything like it, and scourgify didn't even work." She couldn't help but laugh at that point. "Took us forever to figure out that one."

I laughed with her at that point, and she then went back to her work.

My list contained almost the exact same things as the previous day. I was beginning to discover that, as needy as she might be, Layla was also incredibly predictable in the mornings.

I set to work, off to find Malfoy with his potions.

"Morning, Generva," I said to the old witch as I passed.

"Morning, Hermione," she replied. "Say..."

I had the glass of water in her hand before she finished her sentence. I must say, she actually looked impressed. Maybe I'd convert a muggle-hater yet.

"Morning, Malfoy," I said to the biggest of them all a few moments later.

He grunted in response and the potions appeared on my tray.

"Thanks," I said as politely as I could manage. He just looked away.

I looked at him curiously before I left, slightly wondering what might have been in that note I had delivered yesterday.

"What is it, Mudblood?" he spat.

I recoiled at his words. "Nothing," I muttered, turning to walk away.

"Morning, Clarissa!" I called as I entered her room.

"Morning, Herminy," she replied, smiling at me. "Potion time?"

"That it is," I replied, handing her the mixture. I noticed it was a slightly different color today and wondered if maybe Malfoy was trying something new for her.

"Thanks," she replied, taking it. She drank all of it, then smiled at me again.

"So how are you?" she asked, looking up at me.

I sat next to her so she didn't have to stretch her neck quite so much, and replied, "Just fine, thanks. And you?"

"Just fine," she replied. She let out a small cough, and I patted her back softly.

"All right now?" I asked as she finished.

"Yes," she replied, smiling again. "Thanks."

"Of course," I replied.

"What are you doing today?" she asked.

"The same as usual," I replied. "I come see you, I go see some other people, I have lunch, and then I see some more people."

"That's a lot of people," she said with awe in her voice.

I laughed softly. "That it is," I replied. "Well," I added, "you look like you might just be a little sleepy today, am I right?"

"A little," she admitted softly.

"I'll let you be, then," I said. "You sleep well."

"Thanks, Herminy," she said. "See you tomorrow?"

"Of course," I replied. "Tomorrow."

Lunch was a little awkard that day.

"Ready for tonight?" Gloria asked as soon as I sat down. She gave me a small, mischievous wink.

I blushed in response. "I suppose," I said.

"Oh, come on," she said. "Liven up a little."

I smiled slightly, then looked away.

"What is it?" she asked.

I blushed again, embarrassed to admit any fault I might have. Finally, I said, "I have nothing to wear."

She laughed. "Not exactly the girly girl, huh?"

"Not exactly," I replied sheepishly.

"That's okay," she replied. "How about I come over early, and our dates can pick us up at your flat?"

I smiled. "That'll work, I suppose."

"It'll be fun," she said.

I laughed at her enthusiasm and just decided it'd be easier to agree.

Layla had me give another piece of parchment to Malfoy that day, which only heightened my curiousity. As with the previous day, though, I just handed it to him and gave her the message that he had received it.

"Thank you," she replied briskly.

I stood for a moment later, awkward in her office with nothing to do.

"Nothing more for today?" she asked without looking up.

"It doesn't appear so," I replied.

"Big night tonight?" She took a moment to look up at me, and I caught a mischievous glint in her eye.

"So I suppose you've been talking to Gloria?" I asked, blushing slightly.

"I hear things," she replied noncommittally, looking back at her work. She paused for a moment, then added, "Go on."

"Hm?" I asked, checking my watch. It was forty minutes before I usually left.

"You have things to do," she responded. "Get yourself out of here and go do them."

I smiled. "Okay..." I replied.

"Now," she added, shooing me with one hand. "Before I think of something menial for you to do."

I laughed and turned to go.

"Oh, and Hermione?" I heard her say as I walked. I turned toward her again. "Have fun tonight, you hear me?"

I smiled and nodded.

"You deserve it."

Gloria arrived at my flat at 6:00 sharp, as were our arrangements.

She looked gorgeous. She had this flattering blue tank top with a slightly low neckline and a black, short skirt to go with it. Around her neck was a simple silver chain with a small blue starburst penant within it. Her shoes were those strappy, little black variety, and they matched incredibly well with the rest of it. Her hair was pinned into her usual bun, but she had a fancy black barret holding it together.

"Nice," I commented. I suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious about going anywhere.

"Oh, you'll be just fine," she said, noting the look on my face. "We just have to get you into something a little more..." She appraised my nursing scrubs with a critical eye. "...flattering," she finally decided.

I laughed. "What a plan," I said.

"So I assume you're about my size, right?" she asked.

I looked at her, then me, and nodded.

"Good," she said. "Then this will work." She held up a bag, which I assumed contained clothing, and made her way into my flat.

I must say, Gloria is quite skilled when it comes to fashion abilities. I don't pretend to know much, but I don't believe I looked half as bad as I had in the beginning once she was finished with me.

She had given me a red, sleeveless shirt with a low neckline that was surprisingly flattering. It had these little silver sparkles within it that I found surprisingly tolerable, regardless of the girly nature. Along with it was a black, flowing skirt that just reached my ankles. "I figure you're conservative, but you still need to look good," she explained as I tried it on. She then had another pair of black dress sandals, though mine were thankfully a bit less strappy. We managed to find a simple necklace to match that had been my mother's, and she actually managed to tame my hair. We left it down, but she used some sort of amazing charm that kept it from doing its usual frizz. I didn't really see what she did with my makeup, but when I looked later, it was surprisingly better even though I couldn't see it. I thought I detected the slightest hint of eyeliner, maybe mascara, and lipstick, but on the whole, it was incredibly natural. She said she figured I'd like it better that way. I did.

Overall, by the time we heard the "pop" of our dates apparating onto my front porch, I was much more confident. That is, until...

"Malfoy."

That was really the only word I could find.

"Granger."

Which seemed to be the only word he could find.

"Oh, you know one another?" Gloria asked, obviously oblivious to the immediate tension that had arisen.

"You could say that," I said.

"Oh, that's right," she said, seeming to have just realized something. "He makes the potions at the hospital, doesn't he?"

"That's right," he said.

"Well, this is Kent," she said absentmindedly, grabbing his hand to apparate with him.

I don't know that that particular moment could have been any more awkward.

With the most reluctant look I have ever seen from a Malfoy, he reached for my elbow. I let him take it for that split second before the world began to spin.

A/N: Sorry everyone, but the date itself will have to be in the next chapter. This is a really long chapter as is, I'm a little short on time, and it's going to take a while to get it right. I'll update ASAP, though. Promise! Let me know what you think so far!