September 8, 2013

One afternoon in early fall, Draco stopped into the library to return a few books. Unusually, his conversation with Hermione lasted for 45 minutes until it was time for the library to close.

"Let's grab some dinner," suggested Draco as if this was no big deal. "I know a great Indian place."

As Luna locked the doors, she said knowingly to Draco and Hermione, "It will be a wonderful night for you two."

Hermione blushed. She caught a glance at Draco's face before she lowered her own so he couldn't see her reddened cheeks. Draco had a brilliant smile. Even though his offer for dinner seemed casual, Hermione could tell he was excited about it. The butterflies that usually existed when she was with Draco filled Hermione's stomach.

Luna was right. Draco took Hermione to the Indian restaurant he'd suggested. It was in muggle London.

"How'd you find this place?" Hermione wanted to ask about the fact that they were in muggle London, but figured that was a safer question.

If Draco knew what Hermione was really asking, he showed no indication. "Just randomly one day. It's the best Indian food I've ever had."

Once again, Hermione pondered who this new Draco was. He clearly felt comfortable in muggle London. She wondered if he had ever been in the muggle world before the Wizarding War. Considering his attitude toward her at Hogwarts, when she'd been one of the first muggleborns he met after 11 after years of hearing about the superiority of pure-bloods, it still shocked her how he had changed in the past 15 years.

They talked for hours, only leaving after the restaurant owners kicked them out at closing. In the time they were at the table, they never had an awkward silence. They discussed their jobs and how they believed their work was important for the magic community. They talked about their friends from Hogwarts. Draco asked her genuine questions about the Golden Trio's relationship following the Battle of Hogwarts. Surprisingly, Hermione found herself discussing her ex-boyfriend. She explained that their time together had been happy, but he wasn't "the one."

Hermione opened her purse to get money to pay for her half of dinner.

"Nope, I've got it," Draco asserted. "It was my invitation." He pulled out some pounds and threw them on the table. Hermione noted the fact that he carried around muggle money.

Hermione found herself hoping for a good night kiss, but she wasn't going to initiate it. Instead, before they apparated home, Draco wrapped his arms round her for a hug that lasted a little longer than an easy embrace between friends.