Chapter 15: Cupid's Arrow
"Draco asked me to Hogsmeade!" Hermione said excitedly.
"And of course, you said yes," Storm teased.
Hermione's worry finally sowed through. "I don't know, did I do the right thing? You didn't tell him to ask me out did you?"
"Of course not!" Storm sounded offended so Hermione decided not to push her anymore. "What happens between you two, is up to you two. You did say yes right?"
"Yes, yes I did. But maybe I shouldn't have."
"Hermione, quit second guessing yourself. Do you like Draco?"
"Yes."
"Do you want to date him?"
"Yes I do."
"Then you made the right decision."
Hermione smiled, "I have, haven't I?"
Storm laughed at Hermione. "Come on girl, let's go meet the guys."
Arm in arm, they walked to the Great Hall. Since it was still early morning, only a handful of students sat eating breakfast. Draco was among them and came over to join them.
"Hello ladies," Draco said and bent his head to kiss Hermione on the cheek. "How are you guys this morning?"
"Tired," Storm answered at once.
"Well I should think so after all the energy you used up yesterday telling Snape off," Draco laughed.
"Yeah…well…he deserved it," Storm said defending herself.
"I have no comment on the subject since Snape is my Head of House."
"Yeah that does put in a very controversial position. Oh well, I will not judge you because of the over-greased slime ball you have as a Head of House," Storm joked.
"Thank you Storm. I'm glad you won't judge me. Now I'm ready for breakfast, are you? How about eating breakfast with me this morning?"
"Okay," they both agreed.
The days until Valentine's Day went by fast until it finally arrived. The girls took care dressing that morning. Hermione chose a pick rib necked sweater and boot cut blue jeans. She left her hair down. Storm chose a white off the shoulder Spanish top with flower embroidery and a blue jean skirt that hit her mid thigh. She pulled her hair back into a French twist but left a few tendrils free around her face. She tucked some small white flowers into her hair to look more exotic.
They walked on down to the Great Hall where, to their surprise, Harry and Ron stood talking to Draco. The guys turned and looked though, when they entered. Hermione and Storm took their gaping mouths as a good sign and merely laughed.
Draco offered Hermione his arm and she took it with a smile. Storm squeezed in between Harry and Ron and hooked her arms through theirs. Smiling, she looked at both guys.
"So I guess it's just you two and me today boys. I'm sure Draco and Hermione want some alone time together. So, shall we?" She offered Hermione a smile and drug Harry and Ron away from the growing couple.
"Remind me later to thank her for her interfering ways," Draco said in all seriousness. "Shall we, my lady?" Draco said ushering her to the main doors. "By the way, you are looking so beautiful today."
"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." They both laughed.
It was a little chilly in Hogsmeade that day and Hermione shivered. Draco instantly wrapped his cloak around her. She smiled up at him.
"Where to first?" Draco asked sweetly.
"I don't care. Somewhere to get a drink," she offered.
"Okay. In here then," Draco said ushering her into a tea shop.
It was a small tea shop. It was located on the outskirts of Hogsmeade to give the customers some privacy. It was owned by a "romance" witch who constantly tried to be a matchmaker to strangers.
So today, on the most romantic day of the year, she went crazy with decorations. Each small round table had a white crocheted table cloth with pink hearts here or there. Tiny cupids floated around the room serving people and each table was given a box of heart shaped chocolates. Everything else was pink.
Draco looked around apprehensively, then looked at Hermione. She looked scared to sit down. She broke the awkward silence though with a quiet "Let's go." Draco didn't argue and wrapped an arm around her waist.
Together they shopped for various things. They laughed about the tea shop and joked about the others. Finally it was time to go.
Draco lead Hermione to the front doors but stopped before they reached them. He grabbed her hand and walked towards the lake. There he turned her towards him.
"Please listen before you interrupt. I really an sorry about the way I treated you and that is coming from me, not Storm or anyone else. Got it?" Hermione nodded her head. "Good. Now, forgive me?" Draco asked sweetly.
"How could I not?" Hermione said and brought his head down and kissed him.
"Are all apologies going to end this way because if they do, I'll screw up more often," Draco laughed.
He bent his head down and kissed her. She couldn't remember a happier time.