A snow covered Hogsmeade was packed with Hogwarts students rushing around to find the perfect gift for loved ones. Among them were Ginny and Kat who were now window-shopping.
"Oh, KAT!" Ginny yelled dragging Kat into a dress shop, "You have got to try this on!" she said pulling a gorgeous blue dress off one of the racks. Kat crinkled her nose at the piece of formal wear. She hadn't worn anything like that since Christmas when she was fourteen, "Oh come on, you said yourself that you have to find a dress for that ball thing for Parkinson and Malfoy over holidays." Kat looked at Ginnys determined face.
"I don't have a choice in the matter do I?" she smiled. Ginny shook her head and shoved Kat and the dress into a dressing room. After moments past, it began to worry Ginny that Kat still hadn't emerged.
"Kat?" she asked knocking on the door, "Is everything alright? I mean it's just one dress." She laughed.
"Ginny," Kat replied through the door, "I look ridiculous," Ginny shook her head.
"Let me be the judge of that," Ginny said, "Now come on, get your cute butt out here," The door opened slowly, revealing a very shy Kat in the doorway. Ginny gave her a knowing look.
"Oh, you are so getting that," She smiled, "Those boys wont know what hit him."
"What boys Gin?" Kat asked, looking at herself in the mirror, a small blush reaching her cheeks. The dress was simple, dark blue, spaghetti strap dress that cut off just below the knee and complimented her figure well. The back of the dress was absolutely amazing with a criss-cross pattern that went all the way to her lower back.
"Zambini?" Ginny suggested, "Or what about Malfoy?" Kat shrugged and faced the redhead again.
"Its complicated," she sighed. Ginny gave her a confused look.
"How is it-" Ginny started, but was cut off by the entrance of Blaise.
"Brilliant," he smiled looking Kat over, "Narcissa is going to like that," Kat smiled back and hugged him.
"What are you doing here?" Ginny asked politely. Blaise took note of the Gryffindors effort and gave her a small smirk.
"Well," he started, "Malfoys mum sent me to help Kat find a dress for the," he paused awkwardly glancing at Kat, "ball they're holding, but I think you've done that for me," he smiled again, grabbing Kats hand, and twirling her around, "So I think I'll leave you two be," he gave an overly dramatic bow causing the two girls to giggle, "Kat Malfoy wants us to meet at the Three Broomsticks in about a couple hours. So, I'll see you then. Ginny," He smiled and quickly exited the store.
"That was sort of weird," Ginny laughed.
"Yeah," Kat smiled, "Welcome to my life. So, since Blaise saw it in blue, I think I should get this dress in red." Ginny nodded and then her eyes brightened up.
"You're going to get it?" she smiled. Kat nodded and headed back to the dressing room. Ginny walked off, disappearing behind the many racks of dresses. Kat quickly changed back into her winter clothes that she loved so much.
"Okay, so I have to go meet up with Draco," Kat said exiting the dressing room; meeting Ginny, who had the dress she was previously wearing in red. Kat bought the dress and the pair left the shop.
"I thought you were going to meet with him later," Ginny asked.
"I have to talk to him," Kat said, "Without Blaise." Ginny made an "o" with her mouth.
"I have to go find Luna and Neville anyway. so I'll talk to you later then." Kat nodded and smiled back. The two girls hugged and then went their separate ways. Kat wandered around Hogsmeade for a few more minutes, before heading to a small café near Zonkos joke shop, where Draco was waiting for her. She smiled and slowly approached from behind him as quietly as she could. She wrapped her arms around his neck from behind.
"You know I always did despise this place," he said rubbing her forearm with his hand, "and its so bloody cold."
"I know, but I love it," Kat smiled. She released Draco and sat down across from him, "What did you get me?" referring to the cup in front of her, while she took off her jacket.
"Hot chocolate with extra whipped cream, of course," he smirked. Kat smiled and took a sip of her drink. Savoring the heat as it permeated through her body, "Now what did you need to talk about?" he asked, taking a drink of his coffee. Kat didn't respond, but grabbed his left arm. His closed his eyes and took in a deep breath as she rolled up his sleeve. Kat slid her index finger over the Mark and Draco opened his eyes, meeting her sad gaze, "Did Blaise tell you?" he asked quietly. She shook her head reverting her eyes back to the Mark that tainted his skin.
"He simply confirmed my suspicions," she replied, "Were you even planning on telling me?" she asked, her eyes glued to his arm. He grabbed her hand causing her to look at him.
"I was going to Kat," he reassured, "I just didn't know when the right time was." Kat shook her head.
"That's as good as a no," she replied trying to pull her hand away. He gently tightened his grip, denying her the right to move away from him. His gray eyes bore into her.
"Don't say that," he said, "I was just afraid of how you would take it." The look in his eyes confirmed that he was telling the truth. Kat nodded, and he reluctantly released her hand, allowing her to go back to sipping her drink, "Your not wearing your ring," he said, referring to her ring less finger. She nodded and grabbed the chain around her neck. She pulled it out to show a ring identical to Dracos that was glowing a soft yellow.
"It goes back and forth from red and yellow now-a-days," she sighed and grabbed his right hand, "I see that yours is doing the same." She said, rolling a finger over the red ring. Draco stared at the ring for a moment. He hadn't noticed that it had changed from yellow to red.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Kat surprisingly didn't feel angry with him at the moment and squeezed his hand. She gave him a reassuring smile and glanced at his watch.
"I still love you Draco," she said playfully, getting up. He stood up as well and helped her with her coat. She turned and kissed him on the cheek, "Come on, we have to go meet up with Blaise and Pansy." Draco nodded, put money on the table, and then led her outside. Kat hooked arms with Draco as they walked down the snowy walkways, pushing through the crowds of people still rushing around. The walk seemed short to Kat as they arrived at the Three Broomsticks. Draco grabbed Kats hand and shoved through the many people until they reached the table that Blaise and Pansy were occupying. Blaise eyes brightened at the sight of his two friends. Kat quickly dropped Dracos hand causing him to give her a weird look. Kat smiled and took the seat next to Blaise and Draco sat next to Pansy.
"What the bloody hell took you so long?" Blaise whispered to Kat, "she wouldn't shut up about her bloody hair." Kat laughed.
"Sorry," she said, "I had to talk to Draco about… well you know." Blaise gave her an impressed look.
"You talked to him about it?" Blaise asked. Kat nodded and smiled. Blaise put an arm around her shoulders and kissed her on the top of her head, "good for you. Now you bought that dress right?" he asked, passing her a butterbeer.
"Sure did," she smiled.
"We've got to hurry up mates," Draco interrupted, "Still got to pack you know."
