The next morning, I awoke feeling refreshed despite the lack of sleep. I could feel Draco drawing circles on my back and the events of the previous evening came flooding back. I had the sudden urge to cover myself, though I'm not sure why.

He noticed I was awake and, in a voice gravely with sleep, he said, "You are so beautiful. I could look at you forever and never tire." I felt the heat flush my face as he cradled my cheek tenderly and placed a soft, too quick for my liking, kiss on my lips. "However, it is already seven so we'd better get a move on it and get some breakfast before we need to chaperone the Hogsmeade trip."

Damn responsibilities. I would much rather lay in bed with Draco all day. "You're right. I don't need long to get ready if you want to meet me back here in twenty?" He nodded and got up to grab his shirt. Talk about a sight one could never tire of!

Draco had always maintained a thin frame and he was quite active. He told me that when Voldemort had taken residence in his home he tried to spend as much time in his room as possible. Since activities are limited when confined in such a way, he spent a lot of time both reading, and working out. He found he loved the escape of physical activity (though he admits flying is still his favorite way to blow off steam) and kept up with it since. It showed in the deep contour of his muscles.

Before he got dressed, he leaned onto the bed and kissed me once more. "See you in twenty." Then he put on his shirt and sauntered out the door. The image of him leaning over me shirtless would stick with me all day. Reluctantly, I got up and headed for the shower.

As promised, Draco was back at my door promptly in twenty minutes. It always amazed me he could get ready so quickly and look so put together. As part of a more muggle accepting culture, many witches and wizards were choosing to adopt their styles as well. He showed up in some nice jeans with a rich navy V-neck sweater. As for myself, I took a little more time. I was dressed in a long sleeve burgundy dress with black leggings, but I had yet to finish up my hair.

"Five more minutes?" He nodded and took a seat on the couch as I finished up.

I had a slight moment of panic as I was finishing up.

"So, we're really doing this?" He gave me a questioning stare. "I don't know. I know nothing has changed, but with McGonagall acknowledging us and going shopping today, it just feels like this is the moment we are officially announcing our relationship."

"Personally, I don't think much has changed. There might be a bit more speculation with the announcement of the ball, but I don't think we have much to worry about until the press sees us together." He hesitated. "You're still ok with people knowing, right?"

I hesitated for just a moment before I realized what he was asking and I could have kicked myself. "I'm sorry, Draco. Yes, this is what I want and I don't care who knows. I guess I'm just a little nervous after our talk with McGonagall. It's a big step and it just kind of took me by surprise is all."

He came closer and wrapped his arms in a tight embrace. "I know what you mean. We've been living in our own little bubble for so long. It almost feels like an intrusion to let people in on it. However, McGonagall apparently saw right through us and I'm assuming others have probably noticed as well so maybe it won't be as big of a shock as we think. Let's just take it one day at a time in the way that we feel comfortable. Everyone else will just have to deal with it."

"You're exactly right. I have loved being in our own space away from the public eye. It's the first time I have felt like I can be myself without fear of judgement and it's been quite nice to not have to overthink things so much. I know everything will be fine and quite frankly I'll hex anyone who tries to come between us so hard they won't know what hit them. It's just that uncomfortable feeling of change."

He nodded in understanding. "I know what you mean. Not something we need to worry about just now though. Let's go eat."

My stomach gave that moment to rumble and we both laughed. I gathered my things and we headed to the Great Hall.

In no time at all we were assisting in ushering the students into the carriages and into Hogsmeade. Nearly everyone had been chomping at the bit to get started on their shopping. Draco and I were no exception.

"Shall we head to Gladrag's first?"

I knew that I would need formalwear, but it surprised me that Draco would want to come with. "Don't you already have a tux or dress robes to wear to the event? I imagine you'll be quite bored while I try things on."

"Ah, sure I have plenty of formal attire. However, I need to wear something that represents my lovely Gryffindor girlfriend and I was hoping to find something appropriate." A sheepish look crossed his face. "And any time I spend with you is worthwhile. Especially if I get to see you draped in green."

I swatted his arm playfully. "I don't mind if you come with, but you definitely don't get to see what I'm wearing before the event." His lip jutted out in a pout that I longed to kiss. "Nope, absolutely not."

He sighed heavily. "Fine, but I am paying for it. No arguments. It is proper etiquette, but also my honor to do so. Plus, it would bring me great joy to spoil you rotten with my inheritance."

I tried to protest but he stood firm. I was both flattered at him wanting to take care of me and also a little miffed that he was taking away my choice in the matter. When we arrived at Gladrag's the shop was quite busy with hordes of Hogwarts's students jumping over each other to get to things first. I was slightly overwhelmed when a stout old woman came bustling towards us.

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy! So nice to see you. I apologize for the chaos, please, come this way." The woman led us upstairs and too a backroom with a lush looking couch and two changing rooms with a pedestal and mirror in between them.

"Now that's better! What brings you and this lovely lady in today."

"Thank you, Miss Jones. We are in need of," He looked at me. "Were you thinking of dress robes, or a muggle dress."

"Oh, I hadn't given it much thought." Really, I knew I would be more comfortable in a dress, but if we were going to be pictured together, I wasn't sure if he would prefer me to be in traditional dress robes.

Sensing my hesitation, he said, "If it helps, I've decided to wear a tux."

My shoulders relaxed. Shopping for clothes had never been my forte. "Well, I suppose a dress would be appropriate then."

He gave me a shy smirk and returned to Miss Jones. "That settles it. We need to find a green dress, preferably more emerald than sea green, for a ball. Can you please assist Miss Granger in some choices?"

Miss Jones clapped her hands together excitedly as she circled around me. "Oh, I would be delighted!" She waved her wand and good size selection of dresses came soaring into one of the changing rooms. "How about for you Mr. Malfoy? Will your tux be something I can help you with today?"

"Yes, please. I would like to stay classic, but with crimson accents if you have something along those lines."

"Oh of course!" Another flick of her want and a much smaller selection made its way into the other changing room. "Miss Granger, if you don't mind, I'll go through the items I pulled for you and we can try them all on to get a feel for your favorite style. If you don't like what I have here, then we at least know the shape of what you're looking for and I can either alter what we have, or make something custom."

"That sounds good. Thank you, Miss Jones."

"My pleasure dear. Best get to it!"

Normally, I am not overly concerned with my appearance. I like to look nice and definitely clean, but I don't find myself going shopping frequently or worrying over my wardrobe. Today, however, was a different story. It felt like this night was going to be significant for us and I was determined to look my best. We spent over two hours going through dresses before I finally found the one.

It was absolutely perfect and I found myself getting excited for the event all over again. I was steadfast in my determination for Draco not to see it beforehand and he honored my wishes. Finding his tux quickly, he excused himself to supervise the madhouse downstairs while I finished up. When I was finally ready to leave, I found him breaking up a squabble between a couple of fifth years over a dress. He seemed to have it under control so I simply waited him out. When he was finished, he made his way toward me.

"All set?"

"Yeah. I just need some shoes and accessories to go with it."

"We can go get some shoes, but leave the jewelry to me."

"Draco, you've already bought the dress and I can promise you it was not cheap." I was doing great financially thanks to having next to no living expenses, but I nearly fainted at the sight of the price tag. "I can buy my own shoes and jewelry."

He crossed his arms. "I already told you, I want to do this. I promise you whatever you have spent today won't be missed from my vaults. Let me spoil you. And I want the jewelry to be a surprise."

A smile crept across my face. I really did want to put my foot down, but to see him so adamant about it was really sweet. "Ok, fine. Do you think it's under control enough in here that we can leave?"

"Yeah, Sinistra and Sprout just showed up." He nodded toward the other side of the room and the other professors waved in acknowledgment. "We're good to go."

So we did. I wasn't as worried about hiding the shoes, so Draco got to be an active participant. It was actually kind of fun watching him squirm. I ended up choosing a pair of silver 4" heels. They were open toed with a gorgeous glittered strap over my toes that was thick enough to be comfortable but thin enough to look cute and dainty. To provide some additional stability there was a thin strap that secured around my ankle. I made a note to myself to make sure I did a pedicure beforehand to take full advantage of the peep toe.

It was quite amusing watching Draco as I tried on my options. I didn't typically think of guys enjoying shoe shopping with their girlfriend, but the way his face lit up when I tried these on told me they were a winner. I had to admit that while I normally loathed heels this high, they were great for elongating my legs and shaping my bum. His reaction made the decision easy and I made my way to make my purchase.