The first thought that ran through Hermione's mind was Oh, God. The next, which reverted back to her Hogwarts days, was that either Harry or Ron had seen her and Malfoy in the, well, situation they were in.
But no it was worse. Much worse.
"Mum…" Hermione managed, her face depicting just how shocked she was.
"I should go." Draco whispered into Hermione's ear. She would have launched a verbal assault at him. She would have slapped him like she did back in third year, but before she could reply he was off, walking down the sidewalk and getting lost in the crowd.
"Hermione?" Mrs. Granger asked and Hermione jumped. She looked over at her mother, preparing for the worst lecture she had ever heard in her entire life.
"Mum, I can explain…" Was all she could get out, as her extensive vocabulary was failing her. She went to say more, but no words would come out. Her mouth just hung open, until her mother said something.
"Oh, Honey," She said, a warm tone replacing the surprised one, as she pulled her daughter into a affectionate hug, "You don't have to explain. I just wished you would have told me sooner."
"But, mum, you don't understand…" Hermione tried, but it was no use. Her mother wouldn't listen.
"Oh, I understand, you didn't want to tell me because you thought I'd be upset. But I'm not upset, Honey. I'm so happy for you." She smiled, her eyes bright with motherly love, "Of course, I really wouldn't have expected to find out like this on my way home from Christmas shopping. But it's better than not knowing at all. Oh and speaking of the holidays, he'll be coming, won't he?" Hermione's mother took her hand and gave it a hopeful squeeze as a good-natured glint appeared in her eyes.
And when Hermione saw that glint she wondered if she could tell her mother the truth-- That she and Draco weren't together. That he was just using her to get rid of pestering Pansy.
Hermione took a moment to answer. She couldn't disappoint her mother again. Hermione's love life had been pretty much nonexistent after she broke up with David, a doctor at St. Mungo's, two years prior. She convinced herself that work was more important and once she had secured her job she would have time to play the field.
Hermione's Mum always wanted to fix her daughter up, but never had much luck since her Hermione was a witch and, well, she wasn't. Whenever she would call, Hermione would have to let her down, telling her that, no, she hadn't found anyone yet. And she didn't want to do that anymore. She couldn't tell her the truth.
Hermione gave her a smile and hugged her.
"Set another place at the table."