Previously:
Narcissa studied the girl closely for a moment, a small smirk tugging at her lips, and she said, "I suppose if you insist, a little something extra can be arranged."
"Really mother," Draco protested with a sigh, "There's no need."
His mother smiled in her son's direction, "No you're right, but it would be nice. Hermione dear, how would you like to help me organize it?"
"It would be my pleasure," Hermione said as she bowed her head, hiding the pleased smirk on her face. Yes, she would show them that she was worthy to be with Draco.
Dinner had been finished; Mrs. Malfoy excused herself and told her guest that the house elves would show them to their rooms. Everyone said good night and parted ways, each following an ever-so-respectful house elf that somewhat startled the American wizard and witch who were unaccustomed to the tiny creatures.
Hermione at the moment was sitting on her –very big and comfortable- bed, somewhat in shock at what she had just set herself up for.
"Merlin's beard! What am I going to do? Make a bloody certificate that says congratulations!" she mentally cried, starring blankly at the wall before her.
There was a knock on her door, shaking her from her worrying thoughts.
"Come in."
Draco's head popped in, a smirk on his face, "It's me."
Hermione smiled in reply, just seeing his smirk raised her spirits, "Well come in."
He obliged, choosing to come sit next to her on the bed, flopping down very unceremoniously and leaning back on his hands, head angled so he was looking at the canopy at the bed.
The two sat a moment in companionable silence, Hermione's hand finding it's way so it was intertwined with Draco's.
"What have I done Draco?" she finally asked.
His head came forward so he could look at her and he said, "Well, I believe you told my mother that you were going to plan some kind of graduation gift, then again, I could be wrong. I was quite surprised hearing there was even going to be a get-together so I could have been in shock momentarily."
Hermione giggled, "No, I fancy you are correct. Just why did I do that again?"
He shrugged, "I don't know why you're asking me."
Hermione gave a long-suffering sigh, "Some help you are."
Draco smirked insufferably, quickly snatching a kiss from her and said with clear smugness in his voice, "Glad to be of service love."
Hermione bit her lip, fighting off a smile before it faded on its own and she said seriously, "Thank you Draco."
His smirk also slipped away at the sight of the change of her face and he pulled her into a hug, asking in a soft murmur, "What for?"
"For cheering me up," she replied, "I was so overwhelmed by everything for a little while, but you've just been keeping me clam, reminding me that I can do this."
"Like I said love," he said, placing a kiss on her tamed curls, "I'm glad to be of service."
They sat for a while more in silence, just enjoying holding each other and being alone together. It was calming, and it helped Hermione focus back on her goal. She would show all of them that she was worthy. She couldn't allow herself to keep fretting and thinking that she wasn't going to able to overcome this, otherwise she would lose faith in herself, and lose Draco. There was no way she was going to let that happen.
"So," Draco began, "Just what do you plan to do anyways?"
Hermione hummed a bit with uncertainty, "I'm not quite sure yet, but I'll think of something."
"Of course you will," he agreed confidently, "You are Hermione Granger."
"I love you Draco."
"I love you too Mione."
"Ginny! Luna! I found her!" Sydney yelled, startling Hermione from her book.
"Oh, good morning Sydney," she greeted her friend who happened to be glaring at her.
"You know, we've been looking for you all morning," Sydney whined, "Just how long have you been here?"
Hermione placed a finger in her book as she shut it to hold the page she was on, thinking upon Sydney's question.
"Well," she began, "I woke up around six this morning and couldn't fall back asleep so Miry, she is such a sweet little house elf I just might see if I can make her some clothes later, anyways, Miry showed me the way to the library. I've been trying to come up with some ideas for the gift for Draco."
"Oh," Sydney said, being considerably calmer at her friend's explanation.
"There you are!" Ginny proclaimed happily and Luna nodded knowingly saying, "I told you she would probably be here."
Ginny grumbled a bit but then came over to Hermione's side, peering at the cover.
"So, you just had to read A Black Family History this morning because?" Ginny asked, scrunching her nose up in displeasure.
Hermione chuckled a bit before answering, "I was hoping something in here would inspire me for Draco's gift, but so far it's not very helpful."
"Well I could have told you that," Ginny said with a roll of her eyes.
Luna and Sydney chuckled and Hermione glared at her friend halfheartedly.
"Well then Miss Weasely, do you have any brilliant ideas you would like to share? I would certainly be more than willing to hear anything you have to offer," Hermione said with a huff, laughter dancing in her eyes and yet even though her words were light and playful there was a serious undercurrent to them. She truly hoped her friend had some light to shed on the subject.
Ginny gave her friend a look, "You do remember who I am right? I am the amazing Ginny Weasely; of course I have some ideas! And not only will they be brilliant but they will be bloody wonderful!"
"And those ideas would be?"
Ginny clucked her tongue, "Now, now, we can't just think these things up on the spot Miss Granger, we're going to need some back up."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, and Sydney and Luna exchanged questioning looks. None of them doubted Ginny's abilities, but they couldn't help but wonder just what she was going to do.
"Hermione," Ginny began, becoming Sergeant Weasely, "put that horrendous book away. Luna, question Blaise about all things Draco."
"Why can't I just ask Draco?" Hermione interrupted, raising her hand on reflex.
Ginny gave her friend a pointed look; "We can't ask Draco because it needs to be a surprise for him. As I was saying…Sydney, I want you and Dax to scour the house, learn as much as you can about what the Misses approves and disapproves of. Not only does this gift have to impress Draco, but it has to impress his mother too."
"And what do you plan on doing Ginny?" Luna asked.
Ginny grinned, "I have a letter waiting to be written."
Author's note: I hope you liked it, please review!