Eventually, Hermione and Draco went back to their normal schedules, not because they had forgotten each other, but because in Hermione's case, she was afraid of losing her salary, and in Draco's, he did not want Voldemort to be suspicious of him. However, in their minds, there was always a small bit, which reminded them of each other.
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Draco's POV
I'm in trouble. Voldemort wants Hermione so that he can use her in his spell. Apparently he requires a girl who possesses strong magical powers. It doesn't seem surprising to me now, but before Hermione left…wait, Granger…left Hogwarts, she had bought quite a number of books to study for 'enrichment'. It is believed that after reading through and memorising the books, some of which contain very powerful magic, she discovered a method of performing magic without a wand. I have calculated, and it occurs to me that she managed to cast the spell one week after we met. Because I did not inform Voldemort about this little point, he used the Cruciatus curse on me. And it hurt. But it always does. It was almost as if someone was pulling every strand of hair out of my body and roasting it over an extremely hot fire at the same time. But come to think of it, that's an understatement. I feel in the mood to be highly sarcastic, due to the sadistic tendencies of a certain Voldemort. He also insisted that I get Hermione for him.
But come to think of it, I don't know why at all, but I suppose I would enjoy seeing Hermione again. Not because I can then drag her to Voldemort, but…I'm not sure, I think I'll write something. Maybe I can clear my thoughts a little.
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When Hermione arrived home, she shrieked when she entered the front door. When one steps into one's house after a long, tiring day of being screamed at by the boss, one will naturally not be delighted by the sight of two owls, one with a letter, and one with an acacia flower, but rather feel shocked. The owls ruffled their wings and looked annoyed, but laid down the items on the table neatly, and one flew off out of an open window, the other staying behind.
Hermione found the choice of flower perculiar, and did not really want to open the letter for fear that there might be countless hexes and curses on it. But after placing some reflective spells on it, which would make the sender receive the spells instead of her, she opened it. Inside there was a letter, which read as follows:
To: Hermione Granger
May I invite you for dinner sometime soon? You can choose the place; I will make the reservations if you do not trust me.
Draco Malfoy
P.S. – The acacia is not a portkey, I assure you.
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Hermione's POV
I feel a bit faint. It could obviously be a trap, but…it does seem rather like him to write that. Overly cautious, as if he was afraid. Maybe he has not written letters for quite some time. What sort of Death Eater really requires letter-writing skills? Nevertheless, I believe that I should reply. It is, after all, only polite to do so. But I wonder: What are his reasons for doing this? We have only met once…
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When Draco returned after doing some research in the library, he was pleasantly surprised to find the owl waiting for him with a letter in its beak. He was amused to find the letter was written with ballpoint and foolscap. The sender was too obvious.
To: Draco Malfoy
I would be delighted, but first I would require some answers from you:
We have only met once, so why have you invited me to dinner?
Do you have any ulterior motives in inviting me?
If you can answer me to my satisfaction, you can choose the restaurant. However, if you cannot, then the invitation is denied.
Hermione Granger
When Hermione came back from work, she found the owl waiting for her patiently on her desk. She opened the letter formerly in its beak.
To: Hermione Granger
I will answer your questions. Firstly, is it not allowed that I ask you out? I do realise our positions at the moment, but as you have said that you would be delighted. I believe in the muggle world it is allowed for such meetings after seeing each other. I also think that we could perhaps do a bit of catching up, and trade news. No, I do not have any other motives in inviting you out. Have I answered your questions to your satisfaction? If so, then write back. Enclosed are a piece of parchment and a quill. No use in allowing my parents to become suspicious over a sheet of foolscap.
If you accept, then I will send a portkey over for 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.
Draco Malfoy
Hermione, being polite, wrote back.
To: Draco Malfoy
Although I am probably walking into a den of Death Eaters, I accept fully.
Hermione Granger
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A/n: Okay… time for thank-yous! Thank you lyra, Draconsis, Alanna Roseguard, Cho87, Kristina and Veronica! Reviews are so wonderful things to an author's eyes…