Sorry for the long break, exam week came in the way :P This is so close to 10k views, and I'd really like to see it cross that line...so share with your friends and keep reviewing, cookies and hugs for you if you do :)
Come Valentine's day, the castle was buzzing with excitement - again. Young lovers were all over the place, preparing for the most romantic day of the year.
Hermione was sure Draco was planning something, but had no idea what it could possibly be. He hadn't mentioned anything in regards to the day, only told her to make sure she was free.
"So, Hermione, what're Draco and you doing?"
She and Ginny were in the dorms, relaxing. Hermione had a book in her hands, but had a bit too much on her mind to care for it at that very moment.
"I don't know."
"You don't know? Is it a surprise?"
"I suppose you could say that, yes."
"Harry's planning something too." Ginny then sighed. "A surprise, he calls it."
"Hogsmeade?"
"Probably London. You know, because eighth years can leave school grounds." Ginny noted. "How about you?"
"I haven't got the slightest idea of what he's planning."
"Well, what are you going to wear?"
"Um..."
"You haven't planned? Hermione, it's tomorrow!"
"I forgot?"
"All right, let's see what you've got." Ginny said determinedly, opening her trunk and beginning to rummage through without so much as a "may I".
"Wait."
Hermione looked up and saw Ginny holding the sapphire dress Draco had given her.
"Oh dear." She sighed as she watched Ginny try and muster up words.
"You were the sapphire couple?" The red-head finally gasped, staring at Hermione with her eyes wide open.
"Ye-es?"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because, oh, I don't know alright? You would've judged me, or something. I didn't know how you'd react."
"Bloody good disguise, must say." Ginny compromised. "What about this one?"
Hermione glanced up and saw she was holding the red dress Draco had bought her. "Yes. I'll wear that."
"Where'd you get it? Must've cost a fortune!"
"What do you mean?"
"It's italian fashion."
"What!?"
"Did he get it for you?"
"Yes-"
"Wear it!" Ginny laughed, throwing the dress at Hermione. "And that lovely bracelet and necklace you got from him too-"
"How do you know so much about what he's given me?"
"I pay attention." Ginny winked. "Now, for the shoes."
"I was thinking maybe the silvery ones?"
"Yes, definitely. Oh, Hermione, you're going to be so pretty!"
"Shouldn't you be worrying about your own attire, rather than mine?"
"Oh, I picked out mine days ago."
Hermione cocked an eyebrow at Ginny. "You're very excited, aren't you?"
"Ye-es..." Ginny nodded enthusiastically, a wide smile on her face. "Oh, dear, I was supposed to meet Parvati ten minutes ago-" She then gasped, glancing at the clock on Hermione's bedside table. "I have to go."
Draco waited for Hermione at the town square of a lovely little village not far from school. It was empty, barely anybody was out on that chilly yet sunny winter day.
He'd given her a small note with the instructions to getting there, and if everything was going along with his plans, she was ought to arrive any moment.
Not long after, she appeared in the square, confused and slightly lost. "Where are we, Draco?"
"Just a meeting place."
"Where are we off to, then?"
He gave her a sly grin and took her hand, deciding to let her see for herself.
They appeared in a much warmer climate, not too hot nor too cold. Hermione quickly understood why he hadn't been wearing a jacket, for the place where they were required no such things.
"Where are we, Draco?"
"Athens."
"Why Athens?"
"Wait and see." He grinned. "Let's go for a walk."
They walked through streets of little shops and taverns, wandered mazes of alleys and rested in tiny squares that were around every other corner.
Around midday, they stopped to lunch at a little restaurant, and enjoyed a wondrous meal of Greek cuisine that neither of them was very familiar with.
"Draco..."
"Hm?"
"Why did you bring me here?"
They had finished their lunch and headed out to a nearby park, and were now seated before a pond in each other's arms. Random passerby people smiled knowingly at the couple, some even whispering "how cute" to each other as they passed.
"I thought it'd be nice."
"I'm quite sure you've never been here."
"True." Draco grinned, pecking her lightly on the cheek. "Always the smart one, aren't you?"
"I'm just curious."
"Well...I thought this'd be a nice place to go to be together and not be seen."
"You don't want to be seen with me?"
"No, no, you've misunderstood. I wouldn't mind, but I'm quite sure our being an item would cause an uproar."
"Skeeter?"
"I love you, but I don't quite want to expose you to her yet."
"I've already dealt with her, silly. Part of the Golden Trio, remember?" She smiled.
"Have you not noticed that the Prophet has an article of me every single week?"
"Aw, is being popular too hard on you?"
"Well, you see, if it's on the Prophet, everyone will know. Everyone at school."
She grabbed his collar and pulled him in for a kiss which lasted quite a long moment before pulling away and whispering: "At the moment, I couldn't give a damn. But yes. I think it's alright if we wait."
"By the way, speaking of waiting...we'll be graduating in a couple months."
"I need to start studying."
"That too, but what about after?"
"After?"
"Would you...like to come live with me?"
"Why are you asking now?"
"Because I'm supposed to go buy myself a flat tomorrow and I'd very much like to know if you'd be interested in joining me?"
She was quiet for a very long time, giving Draco more and more reason to be anxious until she finally smiled and said: "Sure."
"Really? You don't have to, it was just-"
"I'd love to. But do let me pay half-"
"You don't need-"
"But I want to. I've been saving up to rent a flat, but I suppose I could pay for it too."
"Or you can pay what you can and I'll pay the rest."
"By the way, does this mean I'm your girlfriend now?"
"I suppose."
"Because we haven't really talked about it."
"Well, I just assumed."
She kissed him again. "You're so cute, did you know that?"
"You tell me quite often."
"I suppose I do."
"But I doubt I'm as cute as you are."
"Quit it."
"Should I really?"
When he looked at her, he knew she didn't really mean it, and so kissed her for the third time. "Now, let's get going, shall we?"
Might I say it again, if you guys wouldn't mind sharing this story that'd be great :) love you tons for staying with me