Hermione woke up hours later in her bed, disoriented and unsure at how she had gotten to her room. She glanced at her bedside table and the small clock read 11:15pm. She wondered if everyone else had gone to sleep yet, for now she was wide awake and fancied something to eat. She opened her bedroom door and almost tripped on a small parcel that lay on the floor in front of her. It was encased in gold wrapping paper with an elegant royal blue bow. She brought it into her room, curious as to whether or not it was for her. Only then did she notice a line of small neat printing atop the gold. 'Hermione.'
Intrigued, Hermione carefully tore off the wrapping. I can't believe this, she thought as she pulled out a silver dress. She undressed and carefully slipped into the outfit. Examining herself in the mirror, she smiled at what she saw. The dress was strapless, knee length, was embroidered around the along the top and bottom with an intricate design in black. Hermione was gleeful that if fit perfectly, hugging her body in all the right places, she stepped back to get a full view then felt something crumble beneath her foot. She bent down and picked up a piece of parchment. 'Meet me outside by the fountain.' Hermione was puzzled. There's no time written. She glanced back at her clock; it now read 11:18pm. Looking back at the parchment she was surprised to see that new lettering had appeared. 'Meet me outside by the fountain at 11:30pm.'
That only leaves me twelve minutes, she thought, rummaging around for her brush and makeup bag. After deeming herself presentable she opened the closet in hopes of finding a pair of shoes she could borrow. Near the back she discovered some simple black wedges that fit her well enough. I hope Narcissa doesn't mind if I take them out for a bit.
As she walked through the empty house and onto the lawn she felt a nervous growing excitement. She approached the fountain and looked around but saw no one. Sitting along the edge she let her hand descend into the cool water. The moon was bright, softly enhancing the landscape with light and shadow. A warm breeze stroked her face. It was a beautiful night.
"You look amazing in that." Draco said walking up to her. He was dressed in a simple back suit that he looked quite sharp in. She stood up and blushed as she saw Draco's eyes obviously travel all over her.
"Come with me." he said, grabbing her hand and leading her further into the yard.
"What about your parents?" Hermione asked, doubtful that they would approve of this behaviour.
"Don't you worry about it. Their quarters face the other side of the house anyway."
"Why are you doing all this?" she asked.
He shrugged. "I just wanted you to have a perfect night, to take your mind off things... And I wanted you to know that I don't blame you, for what you had to do earlier."
Hermione instantly tensed up, she felt extremely guilty but decided it best to try and forget about it rather than reliving it by bringing it up more than it needed to be. With that they entered a small clearing surrounded by trees and hedges. In the center there was a table set for two, adorned with a white tablecloth. Candles floated lazily in the air.
"Oh, Draco. This is amazing!" Hermione said. "But I really don't understand why you'd do all of this for me?"
He smiled, his eyes glimmering, and Hermione saw a completely different person in him. His entire face lit up and he no longer seemed like her snide arch enemy. She found herself smiling too.
"Shall we eat?" he asked, leading her to the table. Hermione sat down and picked up a homemade but rather pretty menu that listed about 4 different choices. "Sorry the selection isn't too large; we're, ah, currently short on house elves."
"I think I'd like the spiced chicken with the side of rice." Hermione said after surveying her options.
"I think I'll get that as well." Hot food immediately appeared on their plates. "Champagne?" Draco asked, brandishing a bottle that had materialized. It's my parent's favourite, the best money can buy." Hermione nodded shyly and he poured them both a glass. As the night wore Hermione found herself content for the first time since school ended. The food was delicious, and the company surprisingly agreeable. She took a sip of the champagne as Malfoy vanished their plates and cutlery.
"Will you dance with me?" Draco asked, holding out his hand.
"There's no music." Hermione remarked but allowed him to pull her up anyway. He put one hand on her waist and began slowly leading her around. Hermione blushed furiously, not at all used to such a grossly romantic gesture. She smiled awkwardly at him but he smiled back with such confidence that she instantly relaxed. Imagine what Harry and Ron would say if they saw us now? Hermione felt a small twang of guilt thinking of Ron; she was convinced that they would have gotten closer during the upcoming school year, but now...? Everything has changed.
Draco pulled her close into him, leaving no space between their bodies. He grinned and then tilted her head up into a hungry kiss. Hermione's eyes flew open in shock and she fought the urge to push him away, but she quickly fell into it and put her arms up around his neck. Eventually she pulled away, her head spinning. Draco frowned for a moment, before smirking and hugging her closer.
"We shouldn't be doing this, Draco, it could be dangerous. If my father ever found out he could use you against me. I don't want to have to hurt you again."
Draco ran his hands down her body, placing them on her softly curving hips. "No one needs to find out. You're becoming a skilled Legilimens, I've even been taught a few lessons myself. I know full well the risks that could be involved. I don't give a damn." He looked pleadingly into her eyes. "Can't we try?"
She thought for a moment. Why not? He seems to be the best thing in my life at this moment. And, after tonight, I can't pretend that I don't feel something for him. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Alright." She whispered into his ear.
He beamed at her. "I wish we had more time, but we better get back inside." They began slowly walking towards the manor.
"Draco?" Hermione said, pulling him to a stop. "Tonight was perfect."
