Theoretically, Hermione has always been against kissing on the first date. Emotional intimacy is a vital part of relationships, and the idea of snogging someone without that foundation has never appealed to her. Love at first sight is the stuff of fairytales, not real life. If someone feels that much of a connection on the first date, it's more likely that it's due to a slipped love or notice-me potion than anything else.
Of course, just like everything in her life, it has never been that simple in practice. Although she and Viktor spent time together before the Yule Ball, it was still officially their first date. They didn't kiss that night, but it wasn't for lack of interest. If Ron hadn't interrupted, she most likely would have had her first kiss that night. As it was, they kissed a few days later on the Quidditch pitch.
She didn't break the rule with Ron, either. Their first date was at a restaurant and, as their table was surrounded by overly interested and poorly concealed journalists, they didn't have any privacy. The rule was, however, broken in spirit since they technically kissed before they were even properly together.
She has always put even less stock into the saying 'third time lucky'. That stance, at least, has proven defensible, even if it means the first has once again been challenged and proven wrong.
Then again, she doesn't think anyone could blame her for kissing Fred Weasley on their first date. He's unbearably attractive, after all, and they've spent enough time together today for four dates, let alone one.
Time flew by on their lunch date. After dropping in on George to confirm he had the shop under control, they went from lunch to window shopping… then from window shopping to a stroll to the cave Sirius once hunkered down in... then from the stroll to exploring the countryside… then from exploring the countryside to dinner at a pub Lee liked due to its live music.
Hermione didn't mean to stay out for so long, but she was swiftly swept away in the feelings and the conversation. They transitioned so smoothly between activities that it's sunset before she even realises how long they've been out.
They transitioned so smoothly that she doesn't even care.
Laughing, she follows Fred's lead as he leads them around the dancefloor. It's so fast, so frantic, that she has no hope of doing anything more than keeping up with him. For once, she can – has to – live entirely in the moment, moving with the music without thinking about the next step.
She loves every second of it.
When the song fades out, before the next one takes its first breath, she leans forward and, breathing heavily from exhaustion, kisses him. He immediately responds. It's a staccato meeting of lips as they try to balance their already unsteady breathing with their desire for one another, pulling apart just long enough to get just enough air before leaning in once more.
And she loves every second of it.