HP belongs to JKR.

October 26, 2013

Several of the girls (Hermione started thinking of her classmates as the 8ers since they should have graduated in 1998.) were meeting for lunch at the Leaky Cauldron. Ginny, Luna, and Hermione walked in the door the same time as Susan and Lavender. They spied Daphne and Pansy in a large corner booth.

As soon as the group was settled, Pansy wasted no time in asking Hermione about Draco. "So, Granger, what's going on with Draco?"

Hermione blushed and gave her a put off look, but it was too late. The entire table was waiting for an answer.

"Nope. You're not avoiding the question," Ginny pronounced.

Hermione thought she might receive this question since it apparently was common knowledge she'd spent the night at Malfoy Manor. "Honestly, I have no idea. We went out to dinner one time and I helped with the funeral, but those are the only times we've been alone. All the other times have been at 8ers get togethers."

"8ers? Lavender asked.

"Us, our group needs a name. Most of us should have graduated in 98. 8ers." Discussion moved on to suggestions of other possible names, but Ginny quickly brought it back to Draco.

"Ladies. Draco." Ginny barked.

Daphne and Susan began laughing, which quickly spread around the table. As they calmed down Hermione spoke again. "All of this seems so surreal. Pansy, we hated each other in school. And Draco. Hate doesn't even cover what I felt. And now, now, I want to spend more time with him."

"He's a better person now," Daphne said.

"I know. I am just scared about things. I have no idea if he is interested."

The women seemed to recognize that Hermione couldn't articulate any other feelings and they began talking about the upcoming Ministry ball while they ate.

Just as the waitress brought over their bills, Blaise walked in ahead of Draco. Hermione immediately glared at Pansy whose fakely innocent face told Hermione that she knewwho the men would be here. Hermione rolled her eyes as everyone pretended she had some other place she needed to be. Pansy and Blaise acted that neither of them had known the other's plans. Unsurprisingly, Pansy reminded Blaise that they had some business to take care of at Gringott's.

Luckily Draco didn't seem to suspect anything odd had just happened. He'd echoed Pansy's idea about Hermione staying to keep him company since she and Blaise "really had to be going." Like previous conversations, they talked about many topics, and while they occasionally sat in silence, it was never uncomfortable. Draco asked what the girls had talked about and Hermione mentioned the ball.

"Are you going?" he asked.

"I think so. I haven't found a dress yet, but the Potters and Weasleys and I had discussed getting a table together."

Draco stared at the table, refusing to make eye contact. "I'm actually being honored for my work at St. Mungo's."

"Malfoy! That's wonderful!"

"Thanks." He paused. "I was hoping you might be my date."

Hermione momentarily lost her breath. "I'm not sure. I hadn't planned on having a date."

"Granger, where's the bravery you showed on my broom?"

Hermione laughed. "OK. It's a plan."

While Draco explained the work he'd done that the Ministry was honoring, he reached down and grabbed Hermione's hand. Hermione's pulse raced.

After Draco finished eating, he asked Hermione would like to go to Malfoy Manor for tea with Narcissa. She agreed and they soon were there.

"Hermione, dear, I can't thank you enough for your help with the funeral. I don't know what we would have done without you," Narcissa said as she poured Hermione's tea.

"Draco said that you're accompanying him to the ball."

Hermione turned to Draco who smirked. Draco hadn't had time to tell his mother since they'd arrived. Perhaps Draco knew she was going to be out at lunch and planned to ask her.

'Well, mother, I was hoping that Hermione would be my date and she has agreed."

"Mrs. Malfoy, will you be going since Draco is being honored?"

"Please call me Narcissa. I am planning on it. I felt like I was able to reconnect with many people at the funeral and will feel more comfortable in public."

"I'm really glad to hear that. I overheard several people talking about you at the funeral, how you'd been an asset to the wizarding world."

"Thank you for telling me that. I had hoped I was, but it's good to know people think so. I don't expect I will ever be able to redeem what happened in the war, but I hope for Draco's sake people will be able to forgive."

"Mother, please don't worry about this. I only want you to feel comfortable again. I am making my own path in society."

Hermione could see the concern Narcissa felt over the position that Draco had been placed in after the war.

"I'm being honored at the event, Mother. You know that. Plus I will have the the most beautiful, intelligent date on my arm."

Hermione snorted. "Smooth, Malfoy. Smooth."

Narcissa watched the two banter back and forth as they joked about the event. She realized that something was going on under the surface. She'd wondered since she'd walked in on Hermione and Draco in the library that morning before the funeral. Hermione's presence had helped Draco significantly. Prior to her arrival he'd been on edge and angry. The next morning he was calm and had been able to talk about Lucius with some affection.