Disclaimer: Everything but the plot belongs to Mrs J. K. Rowling.

Chapter 9

In the next few weeks, Hermione gladly returned to her shop, thankful that she didn't burst into tears every time she saw the desk where it had all happened. Business began to peak as it usually did around that time; Christmas was fast approaching, and Hermione still hadn't forgotten the bet she and Malfoy had placed. She was determined to not give in; she will not go to the ball unless Malfoy actually wanted her to! She had only asked Harry about it at Halloween when she was with the Weasley's. Not wanting to cause a scene if Ron overhead, she had quietly asked him when they were all sitting around in the living room, chatting loudly. He didn't answer her straight away, but when he did, it was an 'I'll think about it.' Of course, Hermione had mentioned the bet between Malfoy and herself, and he had only laughed. Harry wasn't so sure himself, but as he wanted to try and get the public to forget that they were once rivals. It was so long ago now, it didn't matter to him.

That was a month ago, and now, as she was closing down the shop at the end of the day, she grinned to herself as Malfoy still hadn't managed to convince her that he genuinely wanted her and Harry to go along to the ball. She didn't even know if his parents knew! Laughing, she turned around and walked straight into the man himself; Draco Malfoy.

"Ouch!" Hermione rubbed her nose gently with her gloved hand. "You shouldn't creep up on people like that!"

A soft chuckle escaped from Malfoy's lips as he watched her look up and glare at his tall figure. "You should watch where you're going. Anyway, as it is the thirtieth of November, I let my mother know of the plan of you and Potter coming along to the Christmas do."

"Well, you better hand over two hundred Galleons because she won't want us coming." Hermione held out her hand smugly.

"On the contrary," he said smoothly. "She is very eager for both of you to come. So, I think it is you who shall owe me two hundred Galleons."

Hermione tried to cover her expression of surprise but failed. "Your mother actually wants us to come? What did you do? Hold her at gunpoint?"

"What's gunpoint?" Malfoy asked, his forehead creasing slightly.

"Never mind, Muggle expression." Hermione shook her head. "I don't even know if Harry wants to go."

"I cornered him at work; he said yes." Malfoy flashed a smirk. "Come on, Granger, it'll be fun. Don't leave Potty all alone."

"Don't call him that," she scowled and then shivered; a gust of cold wind blew down the street and Hermione rubbed her hands together.

"You're cold. Do you want to go for a drink? We can continue our discussion." He winked and turned to leave. "Coming?"

Hermione hesitated. "Actually, I was about to meet Harry and Ginny in Hogsmeade."

His face fell slightly but he quickly covered it up with a smirk. "Alright. I'll see you around, Granger."

She watched his back begin disappear amongst the last stragglers in Diagon Alley and she called out, the guilt setting in of turning him down. "Wait! Sorry, Malfoy. You can come along; they won't mind."

Malfoy turned and smiled brightly. "Are you sure? Why, thank you, bookworm."

"Hey!" She slapped him on the arm, lightly and grinned. "I thought we agreed not to call each other names in public!"

"Well…" He began and then laughed. "I'm joking, Granger. Don't get so upset."

"My nose still hurts you know." Hermione reminded him, as she poked Malfoy in the arm.

"And it's red."

"Only because it's cold!" She objected. "Let's go; we're meeting at the Three Broomsticks."

Rolling his eyes, he held out his arm for Hermione to hold onto when he Apparated. She nervously accepted, and just as Malfoy turned on the spot, she saw a flash of a camera bulb…

"I hope that wasn't what I think it was," Malfoy muttered darkly, as he pushed open the door of the Three Broomsticks."

"A camera? Yeah, I think it was." Hermione said, frowning. "I wonder what they'll twist this time." She saw Harry and Ginny sitting on a table, in a quieter area of the pub. Ginny waved heartily and when she saw Malfoy behind Hermione, she smirked knowingly.

"What?" Hermione asked, grumpily as she sat down opposite Ginny. "What are you looking at me like that for?"

"Nothing," Ginny nudged Harry with her elbow as he was immersed in the drinks menu.

"Oh, hello, Hermione. Malfoy? Did Hermione invite you?" Harry asked, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.

Malfoy slid into his seat gracefully, next to Hermione. "Yes, she did. Do you mind?"

"No, not at all." Ginny cut across Harry quickly. "It's a pleasure."

Malfoy arched an eyebrow.

Swiftly changing the subject to ask how her two good friends were doing, Hermione ignored the curious look that Malfoy sent her. "Cor, it's a bit hot in here." She shrugged off her jacket and then tugged at the navy polo-neck she was wearing.

"Wow, Hermione that colour looks stunning on you." Ginny said loudly, quickly giving Malfoy a glance. He was watching Hermione with a look of mild countenance. Ginny frowned slightly; not the look she was after.

"Thanks?" Hermione was confused at Ginny's enthusiasm.

Beaming, "No problem. You should wear it more often; men will be trailing after you like there's no tomorrow." When she looked at Malfoy once again, there was a tiny flicker of jealousy in his eyes. It was so quick, that Ginny almost missed it, but she laughed to herself pleased at what she managed to accomplish.

Smiling embarrassedly, Hermione didn't say anything until Madame Rosmerta came over, ready to take their orders. "Butterbeer, please."

"Ditto," Ginny pointed her finger in the air and Harry nodded in agreement.

"I'll have a Firewhiskey, please." Malfoy murmured, playing with the cardboard coaster.

"They'll be right up," Rosmerta trailed away, flicking her wand towards the bar.

"Firewhiskey?" Hermione asked, staring at Malfoy. "What's wrong?"

"Why does there have to be something wrong for me to have a Firewhiskey?" Malfoy laughed incredulously. "I just feel like one."

Hermione frowned but let the subject drop. He could have Firewhiskey if he wanted to.

"So, Malfoy, what's this I hear about you inviting Harry and Hermione to a ball and not me?" Ginny asked in a serious tone, but her twinkling eyes gave away her humour.

"Yeah, um," Malfoy scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Sorry about that, it's not really my -"

"Malfoy. I'm joking." Ginny said, giggling. "I'm not upset, honest."

"Oh," He blushed slightly as the three Gryffindors laughed. "So, why aren't Pansy and Weasel here?"

"Ron and Pansy are having a four month anniversary." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly, I've heard of a year anniversary, and of course when you're married, but four months? Isn't that a bit precious?"

Harry laughed, "I think it was Ron's idea so maybe that answers your question."

"I'm surprised Pansy agreed to it." Malfoy murmured.

"People do crazy things when they're in love." Ginny glanced at Harry who looked away, grinning.

"You would know," Hermione winked and received a slap on the head. "Hey!"

"Hush yo' mouth." Ginny chuckled, accepting her drink from Rosmerta as she came over with a levitated tray. The four of them chatted animatedly for a while, Malfoy occasionally shrinking into a strange silence. Concerned, Hermione made a mental note to ask him if everything was alright after their drinks.

When Ginny finally checked her watch, she shrieked aloud, "Oh my, it's ten-to-seven!"

"Shall we eat here?" Hermione asked.

"No, Harry and I have to get going, sorry!" Ginny stood up, dragging Harry by the arm. "We'll see you two soon!"

"Do you want to eat here?" Malfoy asked quietly.

Hermione nodded, and moved to Harry's old seat so she was now facing Malfoy instead. "What's up? You seemed…quite reserved."

Malfoy shrugged and smirked. "I'm fine, Granger. Don't worry your pretty head about it."

Raising one eyebrow at the remark, she leant back and surveyed him. He looked very tired as if he hadn't slept in months. "Are you sleeping well?"

"No, not really." He said flatly. "I've been taking draughts every night since September."

"Why?" Hermione asked, surprised that it had gone on for so long. "You aren't addicted to them, are you?" She added, worried.

"No," he gave a shaky laugh. "I'm just thinking about too many things. Mother thinks I'm stressed. Anyway, are you coming to the ball or not?"

Smiling shyly, "I think I might."

"Ha! Now you owe me two hundred Galleons." He smirked and settled into his chair triumphantly.

"Oh, no. Can't I just buy this meal instead?" Hermione pleaded.

"Yes, and two more." He pressed his fingers together on top of the table. "I get to choose where we go as well."

"Oh, that's unfair. What if it totals over two hundred Galleons?" Hermione scowled and was tempted to throw her Butterbeer over his head.

"Well, I'll pay anything which does." He said reluctantly.

"Good." Hermione smirked. "What do you want tonight?"

They both ordered their food and several more rounds of drinks. They chatted together for what seemed like hours and when Hermione began feeling fuzzy and light in the head, she checked the time.

"Merlin's beard! It's…ten o'clock. Time flies when you're having a good time, eh, Malfoy?" She smiled lopsidedly.

"I wish you would call me Draco." Malfoy pouted and attempted to raise his glass to his lips, but hit his chin instead.

"Okay, Draco." Hermione began to giggle hysterically. "Your name sounds so funny."

"Why, thank you." Malfoy attempted to smirk but it looked like he had a tooth ache. "Let me say your name: Hermione."

She began to clutch at her sides with laughter. "Draco, Dracoooooo."

"Hermione. Hermyoney." Malfoy began to chuckle and then laugh loudly along with Hermione. He wiped his eyes as tears began to fall.

Grabbing her drink, Hermione tried to stifle her laughter by drinking, but ended up spluttering over the table, which caused Malfoy to laugh even harder.

"Draco, Waco, Taco, Laco…Nako!" Hermione recovered and began to find words which rhymed with his name. "Nako sounds like naked!"

"No it doesn't." Malfoy slowed down his laugher and frowned.

"Yes, it does. Just like you can rhyme my name; Hermy Wermy." She began to giggle again, trying to take a sip of the Butterbeer.

"Wermy!" Malfoy burst into stitches of laughter again as he listened to Hermione ramble on about different words which rhymed with their names.

"Alright, you two lovebirds. Time to go home now, I think." Rosmerta vanished their drinks and smirked.

"Lovebirds?" Hermione smothered her laughter and hiccoughed. "No, I'm not sure about that one…"

"Anyway, dearies, it's time for you two to leave." Rosmerta helped them both to their feet and led them to the fireplace.

"Would you like to come back to my place?" Malfoy swayed on his feet, looking down at Hermione who was trying to hide her giggles.

"Okay, Nako." Waving goodbye to the rest of the pub, she followed Malfoy after he disappeared and flooed to Malfoy's apartment.

"Take a seat on my sofa, Madam." Malfoy tried to bow as she arrived out of his fireplace, but almost tripped. Still laughing, Hermione gazed around the spacious home. The living room was large and old, with dark brown Chesterfield sofas. The walls were a deep emerald green, and the flooring was a dark shade of brown. Overall, Hermione thought the room was nicely decorated. She saw a modern kitchen through a half closed door, and a messy bedroom through another.

"Do you like it?" Malfoy asked with two glasses and a rather large bottle of Firewhiskey.

"Yes, I think it's very nice." Hermione said impressed. "Nicer than my flat anyway. I'm going to jump on your sofa."

Bemused, Malfoy watched as Hermione wiggled her bum, preparing for her jump, and then launched herself – face first – onto his sofa. She released an 'oof' and then sat up and grinned. "That was fun."

"Right."

"It was!" She insisted. "You should do it and relax for once."

"I am relaxed, Hermyoney." Malfoy placed the glasses on a coffee table and began pouring. He laughed and missed the cup; it spilt onto the wood flooring. "Oh no." He didn't sound bothered and just watched as the last drips fall from the table.

"No worries, Nako! I'm here to rescue with my amazing cleaning-up-Nako's-Mess skills!" Hermione cried out happily and leapt off the sofa with her wand drawn. "Behold the Evanesco spell!"

The spilt Firewhiskey disappeared with a wave of her wand and Malfoy applauded her loudly. "Congratulations, Hermione!"

She tried to curtsy, but tripped over her shoes. Falling forwards, she crashed into Malfoy who managed to hold out his arms just in time. They both fell to the floor and Hermione tried to scramble to her feet.

"This is a very compromising position," Malfoy smiled crookedly from beneath Hermione who turned red.

"I'm sorry Nako!" She tried again to get up and this time, she grabbed hold of the coffee table and hoisted herself up. "I'm such a klutz."

Malfoy got to his feet much more gracefully than Hermione and he smirked. "I don't care."

Not knowing how to reply, Hermione finished pouring the drinks and downed her glass, coughing slightly at the burning liquid. "This is nice," she drawled, sleepily.

"It is rather." Malfoy grabbed his drink and swirled the liquid around the glass. "I'm tired."

"Me too." Hermione yawned and lay down on the sofa, letting her glass slip from her hand and roll onto the floor. She closed her eyes and began to snore.

Malfoy finished his drink and stumbled into his room where he found a rug to drape across Hermione's body.

Taking of his shoes, he lay down on the opposite sofa and gazed at Hermione's sleeping figure until he fell asleep, for the first time without a sleeping draught in four months.

--

Waking up to the smell of sizzling bacon and a pounding headache, Hermione opened her eyes and groaned loudly. What the hell happened last night?

Finding herself in an unfamiliar green room, lying on an unfamiliar sofa with an unfamiliar rug, Hermione rolled off and instantly regretted the motion when she smacked her head on the coffee table.

"Bloody hell." She screamed. Clutching her head and scowling thunderously, she stumbled to her feet and gazed at her surroundings. Spying the half full Firewhiskey bottle, memories of last nights events flooded back to her.

"Draco Malfoy!" She yelled angrily, and stormed into the kitchen where she saw him wince at the volume of her voice.

"What happened to Nako?" He asked weakly.

"Nako? Nako? What the hell happened?" She hissed her hands on her hips. "And what's the ruddy time?"

"Um, we had drinks at the Three Broomsticks and then came back here where you jumped on the sofa, tripped into me and then fall asleep. As for the time," he took a breath and glanced at the kitchen clock above his head. "It's ten past eleven."

Hermione's mouth dropped. She was late. So damn late. "B-but why did…what…why didn't you wake me?" She managed to splutter out.

"You were sleeping peacefully," he shrugged and then smirked. "I've already phoned that girl, Olivia. She said to come in at lunchtime."

"Oh really. So you're my PA now." Hermione said sarcastically.

"Whoa, whoa, calm down!" He held up his hands and paused from cooking the bacon. "I only helped you out here, Granger. I'm making your breakfast too! Don't stumble over your words in gratitude."

"Well, thanks, but no thanks. I should be going." She stomped back into the living room where she found her bag and wand. Feeling it would be the absolute height of rudeness to not at least show some gratefulness, she poked her head around the doorway and muttered a quick 'thanks for having me', before Apparating, leaving the scowling face of Draco Malfoy behind.

Hermione quickly had a shower when she arrived back home and changed her clothes. She did feel some guilt for being cold towards Malfoy, but she pushed the feelings away as she forced herself to think about the rest of the day's events. As she was going to the Malfoy ball, she found that she actually had nothing to wear. Feeling a sense of dread at the fact that she would have to ask Pansy and Ginny for help – resulting in a huge, stressful shopping spree – she half-heartedly tried to find something in her wardrobe. Sighing, she shut the doors and walked to her fireplace where she flooed to the shop.

"Sorry, Olivia. I'm not a very good boss, am I?" Hermione smiled tiredly and tried to ignore her banging headache. Why didn't she get some Hangover potion?

"You are." Olivia hugged Hermione gently. "Everyone needs to…unwind from time to time."

"I'm not sure if unwind is the right word, to be honest." Hermione pulled a face. "I think 'set loose' would be more appropriate."

Laughing, Olivia began to make Hermione some tea. "We haven't had many people in today. Wednesday's are always like this." She added with a sigh.

"Good. I hope it won't be a busy afternoon either." Hermione sat down behind the counter and rested her forehead against the cool tabletop.

There was a 'clunk' beside her and she raised her head slightly to see the steaming cup of tea Olivia made. "Here you go."
"Thanks, Liv." Hermione sat up and cupped the warm mug. She yawned as the door opened and she heard two giggles.

"Did you have fun, Hermione?" Ginny asked, wiggling her eyebrows as she skipped up to the counter with Pansy behind her, smirking.

"Ugh, don't remind me. Please." Hermione shook her head. "Nothing serious happened, if that's what you're wondering." She added when she saw their sceptical faces.

"Right. Anyway, we came because we realised you would have nothing to wear at the ball." Ginny said brightly.

"How did you know?" Hermione asked, extremely surprised.

"Because you spend more money on books than you do on clothes in a year." Pansy announced, folding her arms.

"That's not true!" Hermione said outraged. "I spend quite a bit on clothes."

"Whatever!" Ginny held up her hand in Hermione's face and laughed. "When do you want to go?"
"Tomorrow?" Hermione suggested, taking a sip of her tea.

"Sure. And you can tell us what happened between you and Mr Malfoy." Pansy winked and grabbed Ginny's arm, ready to leave. It was funny how Ginny hated Pansy when she first got with Ron. Now they were the best of friends.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I assure you; you'll be falling asleep by the end. Nothing interesting happened."
"Yeah, you would say that." Ginny called as she left the shop, giggling with Pansy.

Hermione turned towards Olivia who just came out of their store room. "What on Earth did she mean by that?"

She shrugged. "No idea."

Mumbling to herself, Hermione took to working through the accounts book to check everything was up to date. Her thoughts drifted back to Malfoy and she still felt guilty for being so rude to him earlier. 'I'll make it up to him,' she thought.

"Hey, Olivia, have you stocked up the new books which arrived yesterday morning?" Hermione asked, trying to distract her thoughts.

"Yeah, I did it this morning – All done." She smiled and began to rearrange some misplaced books.

"Thank you. I really don't know what I would do without you, Liv." Hermione grinned proudly at her young colleague. "I'll pay you double today."

"Oh no, you don't have to. Really." Olivia shook her head but couldn't fight the smile on her lips.

"See! You want it really," Hermione giggled. "It's fine, honestly. And you don't have to come in tomorrow, either."

"Thank you so much!" She squealed and threw her arms around Hermione. "I have a date with Blaise tomorrow, too." She added shyly.

"Tell me all the details afterwards." Hermione smiled widely for her friend. She really hoped they would start dating seriously.

Laughing, Olivia got back to work and Hermione tended to the next customers.

Late in the afternoon, just as she was about to close the shop, Malfoy strolled in holding her jacket. She never realised she had left it there.

"Here you are, Granger." He dropped the jacket on the counter and turned to leave. So, back to surnames was it?

"Dra-Malfoy, I'm sorry." She managed to say, hopping down from the stool and jogging up to him. "I shouldn't have acted that way this morning, and," she took a breath, but he held up a hand to stop her.

"Its okay, Granger, I get it. You're crabby in the morning. Just remind me to never offer you a place to sleep when you're completely wrecked." He smirked and watched amused as her puzzled face turned to one of irritation.

"I wouldn't say I was completely wrecked."

Folding his arms, he continued to smirk and not say anything.

She stomped her foot. "Okay! Fine; I'm crabby in the morning and I was out of my head! Happy? Oh, and thanks for dropping off my jacket. Are the meals still on?"

"Meals? Oh yeah." Malfoy recalled the conversation they had the previous evening. "They're still on. Don't think I would forget an opportunity like this to get free meals. This Friday night okay?" He added with a wink.
Hermione nodded dumbly. It sounded like they were arranging a date. In a way, they were.

"See you then, Bookworm." Turning on his heel, Malfoy strolled out of her shop, whistling.

Olivia came up beside her and asked in an impressed whisper, "Are you dating that guy?"

"No," Hermione replied and watched Malfoy through the window as he turned and left Diagon Alley. Something within her wished that she had said yes to Olivia's question.

--

"Are you ready?" Ginny was practically jumping with excitement as Hermione slowly closed the shop at four o'clock. "Hurry up, will you?"
Smiling, Hermione stowed away her wand and turned to face her two best girlfriends. "Whereabouts are we going? I don't know of any good clothing stores here, except for Madam Malkin's."

"Well, we can look there first, but then I know of a wizard shop near Oxford Street." Pansy folded her arms and frowned. "I wonder what Narcissa would think of Muggle Designer wear."

Hermione shrugged. She didn't care where they got a dress, as long as it did the job. She watched as her two friends discussed where to go and her thoughts wandered back to yesterday, when Malfoy arrived in her shop to drop off her jacket. He hadn't needed to, and yet he did. That kind offer, as well as letting her stay in his apartment two nights ago, touched Hermione. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the man who once bullied her at school for six years.

Interrupting her train of thought, Pansy grabbed Hermione by the arm and dragged her to Madam Malkin's. Ginny trailed along next to them, still talking about what sort of dress style would look nice on Hermione, and how they should do her hair.

"Ginny. Shush." Pansy finally said, not unkindly. She opened the door to Madam Malkin's and Hermione hesitated walking in, unsure of where to start. Pansy, however, was completely at ease. Strolling up to the counter where Madam Malkin sat chatting quietly to her colleague, she interrupted them with a polite cough. "Hello, I was wondering if you have any ball gowns for my best friend over there." She gestured towards Hermione who gave a tiny, embarrassed wave. Meanwhile, Ginny was already rifling through racks of dresses, nodding in approval or shaking her head in disgust.

"Of course! Over here," Madam Malkin bustled over to where Ginny was searching. "We have a very large selection of the finest ball gowns."

Pansy didn't bother to hide her grimace as Madam Malkin pulled out a custard yellow, frilly dress.

Hermione blanched. "Er, no thanks. I don't like yellow."

Ginny grabbed a hanger and hauled out a shimmering, ruby red dress. "This is nice. Try this on, Hermione."

Pansy nodded in encouragement and Hermione hurriedly took the dress and locked herself in the changing cubicle.

She heard hushed whispers from the other side. "I think we should get her a green dress, Gin', if you know what I mean."

"Green? Ew."

"Not just any green…" Pansy's voice went into an even quieter whisper and Hermione couldn't hear any more. Finally doing up the zip, she glanced in the mirror and winced at her reflection. She did not like this dress one bit. It looked good on the hanger, but definitely not on her. Opening the cubicle door, she took one step before Pansy and Ginny chorused a loud "No!" and forcing her back into the cubicle to change.

"Do you have anything else for me?" Hermione asked, silently praying that they didn't.

"No, sorry. We'll go to the shop near Oxford Street. I usually shop there anyway."

"Oh, I'm sure there's something here, my gorgeous ladies. There are plenty more dresses in the back, at very reasonable pr-"

"I think we're fine, thank you." Pansy interrupted Madam Malkin in a cold, sharp voice. "Are you ready Ginny, Hermione?"

Hermione answered with an affirmative, and they all left, her muttering a hasty goodbye. "Remind me to never get on the wrong side of you, Pansy."

She smirked. "Malkin looked as though Voldemort had risen again, the way I answered her."

They all laughed and headed towards the Leaky Cauldron where they would floo to Pansy's recommended shop.

"Right," Pansy began as they entered the pub and weaved their way through the customers and next to the giant fireplace. "The place is called Willow's Wizarding Wear. I'll go first."

Hermione and Ginny watched as Pansy disappeared and then they too, grabbed some floo powder, stepped into the fireplace and yelled their destination.

Brushing the soot off her shoulders, Hermione stepped onto polished marble flooring and saw the most magnificent shop she had ever seen. The place was huge. There were row upon row of dresses; hundreds of shelves full of shoes; racks of robes, and that was just the downstairs. Ginny and Hermione gazed in awe at the splendour of the store, whilst Pansy embraced a tall, slim beautiful woman. "Willow, it's so nice to see you again."
"Likewise," She had a hint of a French accent. "What can I do for you today?"

"My good friend, Hermione, is going to the Malfoy ball with me. Would you mind helping us find the perfect dress for her?" Pansy asked, a dazzling smile stretching across her face.

"But of course. You are Hermione?" Willow turned her attention to Hermione who was still stunned at the size of the shop.

"Y-yes."

Willow contemplated Hermione's appearance, looking up and down her body. "You are a very beautiful woman, Hermione. I have a good selection for you to choose from." She glided towards the stairs but instead of going up them, she disappeared for a moment behind. When she came back, she had a tape measure and a small book.

"Here," she purred, handing the book to Hermione. "Turn to page four-hundred-and-sixty-two."

Hermione did as she was told and gasped as she saw some of the dresses listed. Ginny peered over her shoulder and squealed happily. "Oh, Hermione. Malfoy will so love- I mean, you will look absolutely stunning in these dresses. Ooh, let's start already!"

Hermione frowned at Ginny's slip. Malfoy will so love what? The tape measure disturbed her from thinking as it began to measure her arms, legs, waist line and shoulder to hip…

"I was thinking that you should have a light blue or green dress." Pansy suggested, pointing to a few dresses in the book. "But I think green will be better, as you wore the blue at the Yule Ball and it will look nicer on you, anyway. And it's your colour."

"As if people will remember that!" Hermione rolled her eyes. "However, I shall go with your recommendation since this is your area of expertise."

"Okay," Pansy beamed and shot Ginny a glance who winked. "I think we should start with that one. Willow?"

For the next hour and a half, Hermione tried on more dresses than she'd ever owned in her entire life. So far, she hadn't liked any, and by the time Pansy called for the last dress, she was beginning to lose hope.

"I'll never find a dress!" She wailed unhappily.
"Yes you will. This one is perfect." Ginny encouraged, rubbing Hermione's arm.

"You said that about the last twelve." Hermione pouted.

"I know, but this one is even more perfect." Ginny winked and left the changing cubicle as Pansy came in with the last item.

"I have a good feeling about this one," She nodded, and left Hermione to dress.

Hermione took off the plastic, protective cover and felt the material; it was beautiful silk. Smiling happily, Hermione carefully slipped it on, and gasped when she saw her reflection. Pansy was right. Green was her colour. Emerald green to be precise. The dress looked absolutely gorgeous on her. It was a simple dress; strapless and it complimented her figure well. The bodice was fairly tight, but not so that it was uncomfortable. The skirt was long and it flowed gently outwards at the hips, and when Hermione turned slightly, it trailed out a little behind her.

Pansy opened the door gently with Ginny looking over her shoulder. They both squealed when they saw her.

"Oh, Hermione!" Pansy gushed. "You look stunning! You should also have a silver shawl and jewellery…Ginny can do your hair…Oh, I'm so excited!"

"Is there a reason why you're dressing me in Slytherin colours?" Hermione asked, embarrassed at all the attention.

"No!" Ginny said innocently.

"Willow, come and see!" Pansy beckoned her friend over and her face broke into a gorgeous smile.

"My dear, you look simply stunning. The men will be after you like moths to a light."

"Thank you, guys. All of you." Hermione murmured happily. "How much is it?" She was almost afraid to ask.

"One thousand, five hundred."

Hermione sucked in a breath. That was expensive. Very expensive. "I'll have to think about it…"

"Hermione!" Pansy cried out. "What on Earth for? Look, I'll buy it for you, then."

"No, no, no." Hermione shook her head vigorously. "I can't ask you to do that."

"Shush, Hermione." Pansy smirked. "We'll take it, Willow. Where shall I pay?"

"Pansy!" Hermione whined. "You can't! It's not fair!"

"It bloody well is. I'm buying this for you Hermione and you can't object." Pansy followed Willow out of the cubicle and towards the till where she paid for Hermione's dress.

"I feel so guilty." She sighed and sat down on a little stool.

"Don't," Ginny said gently. "If Pansy wants to do this for you, then let her."

Hermione only sighed again and began taking off her new dress. Despite the guilt, she also felt ecstatic at the thought of having such a gorgeous item of clothing.

Once Willow had wrapped it up with her wand, and they all said goodbye and thank you to her, Pansy, Ginny and Hermione Apparated to Pansy's apartment.

"I think it's time for a celebratory drink, don't you?" Pansy grinned, her eyes twinkling.

"Er, I think I'll pass on that and just have a coffee, thanks." Hermione grimaced. She didn't want to repeat what happened last time.

"Oh, relax, you're only with us. Nothing's going to happen." Ginny rolled her eyes. "Three Butterbeers, Pansy!" She called through to the kitchen.

"Coming right up!" Pansy came back into the living room with three Butterbeers, three spoons and a large tub of ice cream. "I have an idea; let's have a girl's night in, eat lots of ice cream and get fat!"

Hehehehehe, how was that? Thanks to my beta, for all her hard work, and to all you lovely people who review!