Disclaimer: J.K Rowling owns it all. Apart from the plot.
Chapter 14
"That – that bastard!" Hermione almost screamed as Draco gently pushed her down onto his sofa and Accio'd two glasses and a bottle of Firewhiskey. He sat down next to her and poured the drinks, listening to her while she ranted, raved and sobbed. He forced the glass into her hand before placing an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into his chest. His lip was throbbing and he touched it gingerly with his finger.
"I can't believe what he just did." Hermione was shaking. "And we kissed! Oh. My. Gosh. We just kissed." She turned her head to look up at him with wide, shimmering brown eyes. Draco only gazed back down and noticed with some satisfaction that she didn't move away or insist on going home.
"Oh, Draco!" She sat up properly and placed her glass on the table. "Your lip! It's swollen and bloody."
Draco shrugged and carefully took a sip of Firewhiskey, making sure not to press it against his split lip. He was grateful for the change of subject.
"Let me heal it for you." Hermione took out her wand and muttered Episkey. Draco felt a warm, tingling sensation on his lip and when he touched it, the flesh was back to its normal size.
"Thank you," he murmured, staring at Hermione. He wanted to kiss her again. She had felt so perfect on his lips. She seemed to know what he was thinking and hastily picked up her drink. He began to speak, "About earlier-"
Hermione cut him off: "Yeah, sorry about that. I shouldn't have kissed you … it was a mistake."
"I don't think so," Draco seemed unhurt by the subtle insult.
"You don't?" Hermione asked before she could stop herself. She sounded hopeful, almost as if she wished they could do it again.
Draco merely shook his head. "I don't."
She fought to keep the smile off her face. That night, despite Ron's disgusting behaviour, Hermione had had the best time of her life so far. No matter how much she had tried to ignore her rising attraction for Draco Malfoy, she couldn't. She had to give in that night and surprisingly, she didn't regret it at all.
Draco saw her face light up and for the second time that night, he leant in for a kiss on those full, pink lips. She responded with enthusiasm, even more than earlier, and he took their drinks and placed them on the table, still kissing Hermione. Her hands entwined themselves in his hair and he cradled her face gently in his. Their kiss was soft and sensual, and Draco loved every minute of it. It felt so right and so perfect – he never wanted it to end. He ran one hand down her back and to her waist where he let it rest. He didn't want to push things.
Hermione pulled away from the kiss, breathless. She leant forward to embrace Draco and she felt so at peace in his arms. The drama from earlier had been forgotten and she was content just leaning against his shoulder on the sofa. They spent the rest of the night talking to each other, getting to know one another.
They both fell asleep at five o'clock in the morning, still sitting on Draco's sofa. Hermione had dreams full of dancing and talking with Draco, and when she finally awoke at eleven o'clock the same morning; she smiled as she remembered the events of the night before. Hermione sat up properly, as they had both slid sideways in their sleep - Hermione ending up lying on Draco's chest. She glanced down at the sleeping man and noticed how peaceful and angelic he looked. She stretched and noted with amusement that she still had her heels on. Kicking them off, she stumbled into Draco's kitchen and decided to make them both breakfast. She frowned as she stared around at the large room, shiny marble counter tops glistening in the winter sun. She didn't actually know where anything was. Hermione spotted a huge, sleek black American fridge-freezer and decided that she should start by looking there.
Draco awoke to the sound of Hermione humming and the smell of bacon, wafting through to the living room. He groaned as his neck clicked when he stretched, but smelling the bacon again, he smiled and got up. He strolled into the kitchen, scratching his head.
"Good morning, Hermione." He mumbled, yawning.
"Morning, Draco. Breakfast is nearly done." She said cheerfully, prodding the bacon.
He sat down on a bar stool. "Thanks, did you sleep okay?"
Hermione nodded from over by the cooker. "Yes thanks, though I would have liked to have slept a little longer."
Draco laughed. "Same, I'm shattered. My head hurts too."
"Well, a good ol' English breakfast should do the trick." Hermione set a plate down in front of him; bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes, fried bread and baked beans.
"This looks great!" He dug in immediately, his stomach suddenly rumbling.
Hermione sat down beside him, munching slowly on her own breakfast. "Do you want to do anything today on the 1st January, 2004? It's a new year after all." She asked shyly, after swallowing her first mouthful.
Draco looked up from his breakfast in surprise. "You'd like to do something today? Together?"
Hermione suddenly blushed and felt awkward. Maybe those two kisses meant nothing to Draco. Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes and she hastily looked down. Just because the kisses meant something to you, doesn't mean it did for him, said a small voice in her head. How silly she had been.
Draco saw Hermione become tearful and he hastily got down from the barstool so he could hug her properly. "Oh, sorry, Hermione! I do want to do something together today; I was just a bit shocked by the question. Please don't get upset with me?" He bent down a little so he could peer under her hair and see her face.
She sniffed heartily and then gave a watery chuckle. "I'm sorry, Draco. I'm just being silly." She lifted up her head and smiled before taking another mouthful of food. "So, what do you want to do?"
Draco beamed – he suddenly had an idea. "Come to the Manor."
Hermione wasn't prepared for that reply and dropped her fork with a loud clatter onto the plate. "You can't be serious."
"I'm very serious," he countered, earnestly. "Mother likes you and father will be occupied in his study so there's no reason not to. Plus, I want to show you something."
"Oh, and leave me at the bottom of a hill again?" Hermione shot him a death-stare.
"No! Why would I do that?" He asked innocently.
She raised an eyebrow at Draco who only widened his eyes and pouted. "Well, as long as I don't have to see Lucius, then it's fine."
Draco grinned. "Good. I'll have a shower and get changed after this. Do you want me to come to your place to take you there?"
Hermione shrugged and nodded as she was still chewing her sausages.
They sat the rest of the breakfast in silence before Draco said a quick "See you later," and disappeared into his bathroom. Hermione picked up her shoes and flooed to her flat where she did the same as Draco; have a shower and get changed. The blue dress was all creased from sleeping in it so she made a mental note to iron it out later on. She just finished slipping on her last item of clothing when she heard someone come through the floo.
"Draco?" Hermione's stomach fluttered as she left her bedroom and entered the living room.
"Hello, Hermione."
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked harshly whipping out her wand and pointing it at the red-headed man in front of her.
"I've come to apologise." Ron stepped towards her, his tall figure towering over her small one.
"Well, don't waste your breath." She glared up at him coldly.
"Why did you think I was Malfoy? Are you expecting him?" Ron's question was answered as Draco stepped out of the fireplace, stopping short when he saw Hermione's wand pointing at Ron.
Ron scowled as he was shoved out of the way by Draco who stood in front of Hermione. "Are you dating then?"
"Yes." Draco replied sharply, sounding very much like his father. "Leave, Weasley."
"Why should I? This isn't your house, its Hermione's. I'll go when she tells me to." Ron goaded, folding his arms defiantly.
"I hate you, Ronald Weasley." Hermione hissed. "I'll never accept your apology! How could you have brought up that man in front of everyone?"
"Because I was angry! I didn't mean it, Hermione, I honestly didn't. I just snapped when I saw Malfoy kissing you!" His tone changed from one of rudeness to pleading.
"Why should you have snapped? Why couldn't you have been like Harry and accepted it? You were always so irrational in your actions!" Hermione stomped her foot in anger, trying not to send every single curse in existence in Ron's direction.
"Harry hasn't accepted it!" Ron protested.
"He's getting there, and he will! At least he doesn't throw punches at the man who kisses me. And he doesn't bring up something I have been trying to forget." She added coldly.
"I'm sorry." Ron apologised weakly.
"What has Pansy said about this?" Hermione stared hard at Ron.
"She's very angry with me," he said meekly and Draco laughed cruelly.
"You won't get out of this one, Weasel."
"Shut up, Malfoy!" Ron retorted, starting towards him.
"Ron!" Hermione warned, and he stopped. "Just go. Please, just go." She said tiredly.
Ron gazed at her, sadness filling his eyes before turning on his heel and disappearing in the floo. Hermione watched him leave, and felt a weight settle on her chest. She did feel bad about having a huge go at her best friend, but what he had done had really hurt Hermione.
"You okay?" Draco asked, concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine," she sighed and then remembered something Draco had said. "You told Ron we're dating."
"I know."
"Well, now he's going to tell everyone! And it's not true! We're only … friends." Hermione added half-heartedly. She knew she was lying and so did Draco. They were more than friends.
"Whatever, Hermione. Yeah, we're friends … with benefits." Draco smirked.
Hermione scowled. "Let's go."
Draco laughed and Apparated them both to the Manor.
--
"No. No. No, Draco." Hermione shook her head furiously as they headed towards the parlour to go outside. "I'm not going outside; it's cold, windy, rainy and slippery."
Draco tried to suggest different types of charms but Hermione cut him off.
"No, Draco, I'm not going outside." Hermione repeated and folded her arms.
Draco pouted but gave in. "Fine, I'll show you it in the summer."
"Much better." Hermione beamed at Draco. "Sorry," she added, scrunching up her face.
He laughed. "It's fine! Where do you want to go then? You've seen the whole house, now."
It was true – Draco had taken Hermione on a tour of the whole Manor, avoiding any room which his father may be in. They looked at the fifteen bedrooms, the large, hidden kitchen, the massive library - to Hermione's delight - the ten, luxurious bathrooms, and many other secret rooms and corridors. Hermione would have lost her way amongst the winding paths if it wasn't for Draco. She had to admit, it was a beautiful and stunning house. The grounds were just as beautiful, bathed in a dull pink light from the setting sun in the early winter afternoon.
"I don't mind." She replied happily, hoping he would suggest going to the library
"Hermione, can I ask you something?" He had disregarded her last statement and now he was averting his gaze.
She was suddenly on guard from Draco's unusual hesitant behaviour. "Yeah …" She said slowly.
"-" He spoke in a rush, the words all garbled together.
"Whoa, whoa, slow down, Draco!" Hermione touched him on the arm to stop his speech. "What were you saying?"
"When you were in the bathroom earlier, mother spoke to me and suggested that you stay for dinner." His eyes flicked to hers to observe her reaction.
She only thought for a moment, biting her lip again, before nodding slowly. "Okay … I guess."
"You will?" Draco's eyes widened. "Seriously? You'll stay for dinner? My dad will be here you know …"
Hermione shrugged. "I can live with that. You should meet my parents." She added with a wicked smile.
"I can live with that." Draco poked out his tongue and prodded Hermione in the shoulder. "It's five to seven. Dinner's at seven so we better go to the dining room."
"Five minutes!" Hermione shrieked as she was led out of the Parlour and down another corridor, and another, before Hermione vaguely recognised where she was. If she was correct, the Library was the second door on the right, just before they entered the hallway. Draco saw her crane her neck to try and see around the half open door to the mass of books.
"We'll go in there after dinner," he promised, watching her smile. He felt extremely satisfied in making her happy – something he had never felt with a woman before, apart from his mother.
"Oh, thank you!" Hermione literally jumped for joy and clapped her hands. "Okay, let's go for dinner already!"
Draco laughed as she dragged him down the corridor and through into the dining room. He stopped short when he spotted his father and he regained composure, gently letting go from Hermione's hand.
"Sit down next to me." He whispered gently in her ear.
She nodded her head slightly, not smiling at the tense atmosphere. She followed Draco round to the left and sat down next to him as she had been told.
"Good evening, Lucius. Thank you for inviting me into your gorgeous home." Hermione complimented him, not bothering with using formalities. She wanted to show Lucius that she wasn't prepared to be walked over by a man who was no better than her.
Lucius only clenched his jaw and nodded.
"Where's mother?" Draco asked his father stiffly. He was impressed at Hermione's daring – not many witches would dare call his father by his first name unless they were on good terms. Which he and Hermione were certainly not.
"She'll be arriving soon." Lucius replied curtly. His finger stroked the edge of the polished wooden table absent-mindedly.
They fell into an awkward silence and waited for Narcissa to arrive. Hermione soon heard the steady click of heels on wood and watched the door, hoping Narcissa would come to the rescue quickly.
Her slim figure entered the dining room and she slipped graciously into a chair on Lucius' right. "Good evening, Lucius, Draco. Hermione, I am so pleased you could stay."
"It's my pleasure, Narcissa. Draco showed me your home today – it's simply delightful."
She beamed and clicked her fingers. A house-elf appeared next to her and she ordered that their food be served right away.
"He also told me you have decorated every room in the house, and I must say you have impeccable taste."
Narcissa almost burst with happiness. "Oh, thank you, Hermione. You flatter me too much."
Hermione smirked. Narcissa giggled.
"What?" Lucius asked sharply.
"It's just, oh, well never mind." Narcissa started the first course of a vegetable soup.
"No, mother, say it." Draco pressed.
Narcissa sighed and gave her son a funny look. "Hermione looked exactly like you when she smiled just then."
If there was ever juxtaposition, this was one. Lucius looked positively furious and Narcissa was smiling into her soup. Hermione glanced at Draco who was watching his father with the utmost amusement.
"I think that's rather funny." Draco mused aloud.
"It most certainly isn't! You've been spending too much time with my son!" Lucius glared at Hermione who did not flinch.
"That's a very stupid thing to say, Lucius." Narcissa scolded her husband, the smile disappearing from her face in a flash. "What exactly is wrong with them spending time with each other?"
"I – she's – no!" Lucius spluttered. "I won't allow it!"
"Why?" Hermione challenged, staring directly at the Malfoy.
"Because you're a … a-"
"A what exactly, father?" Draco suddenly asked, anger flashing in his eyes. He sensed this would be a repeat of the conversation they had at the ball. "A Muggle-Born? Who gives a damn? I don't and neither should you!"
"It's not that-"
"Then what is it?" Draco hissed. "Why can't I spend time with someone I lo-like?"
Lucius stood up from the table and glared at his son, wife and guest. "This conversation and evening is over." He marched out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Draco breathed through his teeth and ran his hands through his hair. "What is his problem, mother? Why doesn't he like Hermione?"
Hermione looked expectantly at Narcissa, waiting for her reply. She was just as confused as Draco, and she hoped that as Lucius' wife, Narcissa could provide some answers.
"He does like you, I'm sure." Narcissa ignored Hermione's sceptical cough. "He just needs to try and accept that you two may be an item."
"An item? Who said anything about being an item? We're just friends. Aren't we?" Hermione babbled and then glanced weakly at the mother and son who both smirked identically. "Okay, fine, we've kissed twice-"
"-Ha!"
"-Hermione, you weren't supposed to say that!"
She blushed and covered her face with her hands. She just dug herself deeper. "Sorry." Hermione heard muffled laughter and looked up to see Narcissa laughing and Draco appearing embarrassed.
"It's about time too, you know." Narcissa winked at the young couple. "Now, when are you going to make it official?"
"Nothing's official mother!" Draco stood up. "We're not together just because we kissed."
Hermione couldn't help but feel hurt by that statement. She secretly wanted them to be a couple because she honestly thought she was falling for the man who got Candy Floss stuck in his hair.
Draco sent Hermione a furtive look. "Sorry, that came out slightly wrong." He sat back down and took a deep breath. "Look, mother, just leave our relationship to us. Please?"
Narcissa frowned slightly, but accepted the request with a gracious manner. "As you wish, Draco." She got up from the table and moved round to him so she could whisper in his ear.
Hermione bit her lip, worried, as Draco paled as his mother moved away and glided out of the room, soup forgotten. "What did she say?"
"Nothing, Hermione, don't worry. Do you want to go to the Library now?" He forced a smile onto his face and Hermione grinned and got up from the table hurriedly.
"Oh yes, yes! Let's go!"
--
Hermione slid into her bed that night, puzzled. Ever since Narcissa had whispered that one thing into Draco's ear, he had been acting all quiet and strange. They had been in the Library and he had just sat there, not seeing anything, just lost in his own thoughts. Hermione usually wouldn't have minded, but when he looked so startled when she touched him, and the way he watched her with something upsetting hidden in his eyes, worried Hermione. She sighed and turned over to face the clock to set her alarm. She wondered what the Monday morning would bring. She wondered if Olivia would come in after what she and Blaise may have done after the New Years party. Come to think of it, she hoped she and Ron hadn't ruined the celebration. Frowning, Hermione fell into a troubled sleep.
--
January passed in a blur, and Hermione and Draco hadn't seen much of each other since the day at the Manor. They had met up for brief coffees, but Draco had been fidgety and tense. Hermione noticed on her calendar that it was Valentine's Day in three days time. Her thoughts immediately turned to Draco but she forced herself to think of other things which needed to be done. Anyway, judging by the way he had been acting around her the last month, she doubted very much that he would ask her out on a date. Sighing, Hermione Apparated to work on the Monday morning.
Olivia wasn't there when she arrived so Hermione got to work in sorting out books. The door opened and she opened her mouth to greet Olivia, but instead Ginny and Pansy walked in, beaming.
"Oh, hi girls. I haven't seen you two in ages. I'm so sorry!" Hermione quickly hugged her two best friends. "I was thinking I might go and speak to Ron, actually." It was true. Over the last couple of days, Ron had been popping up in her thoughts and she had felt guilty in not speaking to him for so long, despite what he had done to her.
"That's a good idea. He's been feeling a little down since your … discussion." Pansy agreed, smiling.
"Anyway, Hermione, please come over to the Burrow on Saturday. We're going to go to this Bridal shop – here in Diagon Alley – to try on dresses!" Ginny clapped her hands excitedly. "There's so much to do in three months!"
Hermione squealed. "Oh Ginny! I'm going to be a bridesmaid? Thank you so much!"
"Well, duh. I wouldn't not have you as one!" Ginny rolled her eyes but grinned. "Oh, are you doing anything on Thursday?" She added casually.
"No," Hermione couldn't hide the disappointment out of her voice.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure someone will be there for you." Pansy winked and kissed her friend goodbye on the cheek. "Come on Gin', I need to show you these pair of shoes I saw yesterday …"
Their voices faded as they left the shop and immediately after they departed, Olivia ran in breathless. "Oh, sorry I'm so late, Hermione!"
Hermione smiled falsely, still thinking about what Pansy had said. "It's okay," she mumbled.
"What's up?" Olivia came up to Hermione and took her arm.
"Oh, nothing," She shook her head and clapped her hands. "Let's get to work!"
The day passed quickly; Hermione managed to squeeze out of Olivia what had happened between her and Blaise after the New Years party. Hermione blushed when she heard, but Olivia looked completely unabashed.
"And what about you and Draco, eh?" Olivia winked as she picked up her bag to leave at the end of the day.
"I don't know, Olivia. We both like each other and we've kissed twice, but nothing more than that." Hermione sighed, and smiled tiredly at her friend.
"It'll work out, I just have a feeling. Just let your relationship go slowly and steadily." Olivia hugged Hermione and headed towards the door. "Ooh, look who's here!"
Hermione glanced quickly through the shop window and saw Draco approaching the shop holding what looked like a magazine, with a funny expression on his face.
"I'll leave you to it!" Olivia cried happily before leaving the shop, holding the door open for Draco who murmured "thanks" as he entered.
"Draco, we're just closing." Hermione said apologetically. She folded her arms and stared at him. She was surprised to see him here after they had barely seen each other the past month.
"I'm not here to buy anything, just to show you something." He smirked and handed her the magazine rolled in his hands.
"Witch Weekly? I didn't know you were into that kind of thing," she teased as she unrolled it. Her light mood disappeared after she saw the headline and the photo on the front: Has the Brain of the Golden Trio Finally Found Love? Find out on page 4! The picture was of Draco kissing Hermione on the cheek, but as it was Witch Weekly, they had edited the photo so that Hermione appeared to have turned her head so Draco kissed her on the lips.
"I don't want to read that, thanks." Hermione chucked the false magazine on the desk and groaned aloud.
"Don't you like it?" Draco chuckled, picking the magazine up and flicking to page four. He began to read: "Heartthrob bachelor Draco Malfoy – I kind of like that – was found kissing the famous war hero Hermione Granger outside her own shop last week. Will this new couple last? Or will the reputation of Draco finally come out into the open, and Hermione will be left as another broken-hearted throw-away of Draco's?" He stopped reading and frowned.
"What reputation?" Hermione shrieked. "Stop reading that rag!"
"I have," Draco laughed. "And, I don't have a reputation. The only people I have ever dated were Pansy and Daphne."
"Oh," Hermione gave him a funny sort of smile. "Chuck that away, though. Please don't read anymore of it."
"Okay," Draco rolled the magazine back up again. He had no intention of throwing it away; he rather liked that photo. "I better go now. See you around, Hermione."
Before Hermione could say goodbye, he had left the shop in three quick strides. Prat. What was she going to do? She really liked Draco and ever since that stupid meal he had been acting distant and off. What had she done? What had Narcissa done? Hermione left her shop bubbling with anger. If Narcissa hadn't said anything to Draco then they wouldn't be in this position now. They would probably be- be what? Hermione stopped in the middle of Diagon Alley, too engrossed in her thoughts to notice how obstructive she was being. Where would she and Draco be in their relationship right now if Narcissa hadn't said anything? Would they have gone official by now? Or would they have gone even further? Hermione shook her head and began walking again. No, they wouldn't have gone that far. Hermione wouldn't have allowed it.
She bumped into someone on her random walk through Diagon Alley and she muttered a hasty apology. She began to notice, however, that lots of people – especially the women – were giving her odd looks. She couldn't fathom why at first, but then it dawned on her. They had read the magazine! Screaming in frustration, Hermione Apparated to her home, alarming a few passers-by with her sudden disappearance and outburst.
She threw down her bag down on the sofa before joining it, kicking off her shoes in the process. She clutched a cushion to her chest as she began to cry heavily. She was fed up. So fed up. Why couldn't she just have a boyfriend, get married, have kids and then that be it? Why did it have to be so complicated? She was twenty four and she ought to be settling down soon! She thought of Draco and she began to cry harder. It just wasn't fair! When she thought they were finally getting somewhere with each other, and she thought she was finally beginning to have sort-of-relationship with him, he – or his mother – had to go and muck things up! Hermione sniffed and waited until she was all cried-out before going into the bathroom to wash her face and blow her nose. She glimpsed herself in the mirror and saw her eyes were huge and puffy as well as her cheeks being red. She checked her watch and saw with disappointment that it was only ten-to-six. Well, at least she could make herself some food before heading straight to bed where she would eat chocolate and read a book.
--
Hermione buried her head under the covers on the Thursday morning as her alarm buzzed. Valentine's day had finally arrived and Hermione was nervous, depressed and slightly excited. There was a tap at the window and she reluctantly threw the covers off her body and stumbled out of bed and towards her window, where a handsome tawny owl was perched. Hermione blushed when she saw what the bird was carrying. This was the third time an owl had come in the morning holding a large bouquet of beautiful flowers. She was amazed that the bird managed to carry them at all, given the large quantity. Yesterday, she had a bunch full of Lilies. The day before it was wildflowers. But today of all days, it was white and red roses. Hermione giggled as she fed the owl a quick treat and smelt the flowers – they had a beautiful smell. Her hands brushed against something hard and she noticed that there was a small tag attached to one of the flowers:
Meet me outside the Shrieking Shack at seven pm. Your Valentine.
Hermione squealed with excitement. She had a date on Valentine's Day! Laughing to herself, she hastily put the flowers in another vase with the other two bunches. She quickly got ready for work and Apparated, willing the time to hurry up and reach seven o'clock. When she arrived at her shop, Olivia was already waiting and upon seeing her happy glow, she shrewdly asked, "And who's your Valentine, Hermione?"
"I'm not sure," Hermione giggled as she unlocked the door. "I have an inkling but I won't get my hopes up. Anyway, I'm so excited!"
Olivia laughed with her and followed in, holding something in her hand. "Hey Hermione, look what Blaise got me!" She opened the palm of her hand and showed Hermione the delicate silver ring, with a small diamond.
"Oh my gosh, he hasn't …" Hermione trailed off wondering if Blaise really had popped the question.
"No, no, he hasn't asked me to marry him!" Olivia snickered, slipping the ring onto the middle finger of her right hand. "It's just a ring. A lovely ring at that."
Hermione exhaled a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding. If he had proposed … my, that would have been something. "Yes, it's gorgeous, Olivia."
"Thanks," the young girl beamed. She sat herself down behind the counter and leant on her elbows. "So, what are you doing with your Valentine tonight?"
Hermione clapped her hands and her eyes glittered with excitement. "Well, I'm going to meet him at seven by the Shrieking Shack. I know it's not the most romantic of places, but I have no idea what we'll be doing."
Olivia wiggled her eyebrows knowingly.
"No, Liv, we won't be doing anything like that!" Hermione pulled a face. "Especially not in the Shrieking Shack."
"I'm only yanking your wand, Hermione." Olivia laughed at Hermione's expression. "What's on the agenda for today in the shop?"
Hermione began to list off the things which needed to be done between them, and they set to work, at the same time attending to the customers needs. It was a very busy day; lots of frantic looking men came in requesting the latest romance novel and Hermione felt very bad in having to say to one young man, that they had run out of stock on a book he was pleading for to give to his girlfriend.
Lunchtime came and went, and soon, Hermione was counting down the hours until seven. It was reaching four hours to go when Hermione realised she had no idea what to wear.
"Olivia!" She almost screamed, alarming a customer who was quietly looking at some Muggle history books nearby.
"What?" Her friend came rushing from round an aisle.
"I don't know what to wear tonight!" Hermione wailed, slapping the counter lightly in annoyance.
Olivia was immediately on the case. "Stick to something smart and sexy but not too over the top. Keep it quite casual also. Remember, you're meeting at the Shrieking Shack and I expect he'll take you out to dinner, so nothing underdressed either."
Hermione nodded furiously, taking in and absorbing all the information Olivia was giving her. Honestly, she could be a replica of Ginny and Pansy. "Thanks a bunch, Liv. Are you doing anything tonight, by the way?"
"Yeah, I'm just having dinner at Blaise's." Olivia couldn't hide her enthusiasm despite trying to say it so casually. "I can't wait!" She added with a huge smile.
A customer interrupted their conversation so Hermione excused herself to help the old wizard.
It was finally time to close and Hermione literally pushed Olivia out of the shop in haste, trying to lock up so she could go home and get ready.
"You have lots of fun tonight, Hermione. You deserve it." Olivia hugged her tightly and kissed her on the cheek goodbye. "I'll see you tomorrow when you can tell me all about it."
Hermione laughed and waved before Apparating back home. She heeded Olivia's advice and searched through her wardrobe, finally settling on her high-waist, grey woollen trousers and a white, silk shirt. She fetched her red coat and bag and placed them gently on the sofa, ready to be grabbed when she left. Noticing she still had forty minutes, she decided she would floo Ron to have a quick chat.
She knelt down carefully on the fireplace and flooed to Ron's flat. There, she yelled and yelled until he came into the room, looking very surprised but pleased.
"Oh, Hermione, I am so sorry for what I did. Do you forgive me?" He bent down to the fireplace.
"Yeah, yeah," Hermione sighed. "But if you ever do that again, I will never speak to you again." She sounded so fierce, she almost scared herself.
Ron nodded and apologised over and over again in between gaps in their conversation.
Hermione's knees began to hurt from the stone fireplace and she said goodbye to Ron, making him promise that he'd do something very special with Pansy that evening. She got to her feet and checked the clock, almost screaming as it was one minute to seven. Thank goodness for magic or I'd be screwed right now, Hermione thought, slipping on her coat and bag. She grabbed her wand and Apparated to the Shrieking Shack with an excited pop.
Ahahah, I'm so mean leaving you on a cliff-hanger! Hehe. Well, I hope the beginning wasn't too rubbish. Thank you, GiantInflatableWalrus and all you people out there for your reviews! Oh, by the way, I'm also trying to keep to the timeline of J.K Rowling.