Hi guys! Here's a chapter to hold you over for the weekend. I wanted to address a question I was asked by Vigilante3. I've written up to chapter 17, and should have maybe two or three more after that. So, there's plenty more to come in this saga!

Chapter 10
The Burrow was always noisy. It was a fact of life that when a couple, their seven children, spouses, and grandchildren crowded into one place, the volume was through the roof. On any other day, Hermione wouldn't have minded it. She wouldn't have minded the children running around or the stifling heat that simmered in the kitchen as Molly Weasley slaved away over the stove. She wouldn't have been at all bothered by the Quidditch talk or the flashing of engagement rings.

But today was not one of those days.

Today, she just wanted a little peace and quiet. It was her first visit back to the Burrow following her break up with Ron, and awkward was a vast understatement. Everyone had been more than welcoming and friendly, Ron included. But she felt like she played the part of the outsider. Even Harry, who was not a Weasley, was preparing to marry into the large family. There was nothing and no one truly linking her to the brood, not anymore.

The couch cushion sunk beside her, alerting Hermione to the new presence of Ginny. "You've been quiet," she observed, frowning when Hermione's gaze did not reach hers. When Hermione gave no response, the younger witch continued. "Harry and Ron told me about Malfoy. It seems like an awfully harsh punishment. On the other hand, he did some terrible things."

"Because his family was being threatened," Hermione replied emphatically, throwing up her hands. "I'm not saying it was right to let in the Death Eaters or hurt Katie and Ron. So many people were...but he was trying to save his parents."

Ginny's brown eyes widened at her surprising defense of their childhood foe. "I'm sorry," she murmured, backing away from her friend.

With a sigh, Hermione shook her head. "No, I'm the one who should be sorry," Hermione stated. "Draco's just a sensitive subject."

"Do you have feelings for him?" Ginny asked, resting a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder.

"It can't last," Hermione stated downtroddenly. "He'll get his memories back eventually, and even if he can see past my blood, he'll hate me for having kept so much from him."

Ginny wrapped her arm around the older witch's shoulders. "Or maybe he'll see that it was you who helped him get his memories back, and his feelings towards you now won't change then," she suggested hopefully.

"Yeah, maybe," Hermione muttered, but she wasn't convinced that Ginny could be right. "He told me about another dream he had, about getting the Dark Mark."

Gasping, Ginny pulled back to stare wide eyed at her friend. It had come as something of a shock to the younger witch that Draco had once even possessed the foul mark. "Does Harry know about these dreams?" she wondered when she finally found her voice.

Hermione nodded quickly. "Well, most of them anyway," she conceded. "I told him everything just before he set up my meeting with Kingsley. As much as I want to help Draco, I know I can't do it without Harry."

Ginny nodded her understanding and rose to her feet. "It's good that you involved the boys," she said softly, pulling Hermione to her feet. "At least, if things go sour with Malfoy, you'll still have your friends. Are you seeing him again soon?"

"Tonight."

Hours later, those words played through Hermione's mind as she readied herself for her evening with Draco. For the first time in their short friendship, they would not spend their night at the bar nor the coffee shop near Draco's flat. With a devilish grin, he had informed her to dress nicely because he had the night planned out. Hair pulled back into a low bun, she slipped on a sleeveless, knee length black dress and ballet flats.

"Hope this is good enough," she muttered when the doorbell rang.

"You look lovely," Draco complimented when she opened the door. He greeted her with a kiss and entered her flat. With a blush in her cheeks, she thanked him and asked what their plans were. In return, she received a cheeky smile. "I'm not telling," he said, taking her hand.

Together, they strolled hand-in-hand through the crisp autumn air until they reached a small Italian restaurant tucked away in an alley. Hermione shot him a dubious smirk as they approached the front door.

"Trust me, it's the best Italian food in London," he told her, opening the door for her. The air was rich with the smells of fresh baked bread, homemade pasta, and tomatoes. Candles lit the small restaurant that was occupied by only two other couples. Soft violin music played around them as the hostess seated them. They silently perused the menu for a few moments before setting them aside.

"I think I love this place," Hermione stated, smiling brightly at the man across from her.

"You haven't even tried the food," Draco responded with a soft chuckle. He reached across the table and took hold of her hand. "You'll drop the 'I think' once you have."

They spent the evening in quiet conversation over dishes of pasta and fish as the wine flowed. When the check arrived, Draco quickly snatched it away with Seeker's speed before Hermione could reach for it. After slipping a few notes into the billfold, he took her hand once more and led her outside. The temperature had dropped significantly, sending a chill through Hermione's body. Draco wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side for warmth.

"I really love that place," she sighed, leaning into his side.

"I really loved being there with you," he replied, stopping them near the Thames. After being in the soft glow of candlelight, the bright lights of the buildings surrounding them caused the pair to squint. "I um, I know dinner's not some magical evening, but being with you made it really special."

Hermione smiled, fighting to keep her cheeks from flushing. "I've had a nice time too," she murmured, feeling him draw her closer. His head lowered, eyes closed, and lips softly brushed against her own. "I like doing that too," he admitted with a lazy smile as he rested his forehead against hers.

"Me too," Hermione whispered.

"Is, um, is it too soon to ask you..." he breathed out a nervous sigh.

"Ask me what?" she wondered, stroking the sides of his stomach.

Draco turned his head away, catching the shimmering lights of the Eye. "To be my girlfriend," he mumbled, tightening his arms around her waist.

Emotions warred within her. She was happy and apprehensive, and just a touch saddened by his question. She could live in the moment though, and accept his proposal. Or she could be Hermione Granger, the girl who always thought ten steps ahead, and break things off right then and there. But she wanted him, wanted to see where their relationship went, wanted to further get to know the new Draco Malfoy.

"No, Derek, it's not too soon," she said before giving it any more thought. He turned his head back to look at her, wide eyed and smiling brightly. Lifting up on her toes, she brought her mouth to his in a kiss.

When they pulled apart, Draco shook his head. "You know, you're the first girl I've kissed," he admitted. "I mean, probably not in my entire life, but of what I can remember. You're the first," he added.

"It's an honor," she replied, kissing him once more.