A/N: Okay, really, now. I had something like thirty-five reviews two chaps ago, and last chap got me 10. 10. Y'all that aren't reviewing are bringing me down. Okay, hang on a minute. sighs Ahhhh, yummy. If you've never had a Dove ice cream bar, you just don't know what you're missing. Oh, it's like heaven onna stick. sighs again> Now, what was I saying? Oh, yeah. I know I'm on at least 60 Author Alert lists, and 25 favorite stories lists, so… what's the deal? I know hermyandron4evr has both my stories on her favorites (she told me, 'hugs') and slyswn28 reviews every single chapter the second it comes out (I love you, slytherinswn, in a straight, hetero-friendly way 'hugs'), and kitty253 is awesome about it, too (thanks, Charlotte 'hugs')… so where's everyone else? I know there are other loyal people out there (charmed piper, you're in there, too), but for the most part, I'm getting lonely.
I also wanted to respond to one other reviewer again (if you have a weak stomach, you may not want to read this. Seriously. It's also funny, though…)
Nicole-HP-fan: I was in a kind of weird mood when I wrote that part, plus I had just finished watching Sealab 2021 on Adult Swim (gotta love the old school bumps), and I was thinking about the episode when white Debbie decided to get pregnant. So she's interviewing all the guys to see who she wants to be the daddy. She's talking to Sparks (the guy in the wheeled chair) and he says 'blah', causing Debbie to say 'blah', and he says, "A Modest Proposal". She says, "By whom?" He replies, "Jonathan Swift". She asks, "What's it about?" He replies, "Eating babies." To make a long story short, he talks about 'real baby-back ribs, dripping with sauce', which is why I made Draco say what he said; plus, he's not into messy stuff, and he didn't expect to see a great big piece of animal dripping with anything. So, that's that. I, personally, also like country style spareribs, grilled at home, covered with mesquite sauce. It's one of life's finer things (if you live in northern Michigan, anyway).
Okay, now that I've grossed you all out, please continue with my story. Thanks! 'wicked grin'
"Oh, geez, I'm sorry, I wasn't-" he paused mid-sentence. Hermione. "I, uh, hi. How's it going?" Oh, my gods, can I get any stupider?
"Just fine, aside from the getting thrown to the ground part. And yourself?" she inquired.
"Oh, I'm, er, just, ah, fine, just fine. So," he finally got out, "what brings you to, um, here?" OH, MY GODS. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM? I SOUND LIKE A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD!
"I'm meeting a friend in about two minutes. Yourself?"
"I was, ah, just finishing eating," he replied, then remembered the mass of… stuff… sitting on the plate he had left at the restaurant. He felt slightly nauseous again.
"Was it good?" she asked conversationally.
"I, er, I don't know. It looked so disgusting I had to leave before I got ill."
She looked sideways at him. "Let me guess. It was big and messy, right?"
"Ah, yeah. How'd you know?"
"I'm your wife, remember? I know stuff about you."
She's my wife again? This looks promising. "Good to hear. Yeah, it was something about 'ribs', I think."
"Ah. For you I would recommend the chicken Alfredo, or maybe the veal Parmigana, with a side salad and a glass of white wine."
Holy shit, she does know me. That sounds really good. "Want to grab a bite? I could try what you suggested," he asked hopefully.
"No, thanks, I've got to meet a friend. Would you like to come? I think you might know her," she replied politely.
"You don't think she'd mind?"
Hermione considered. "I don't know. Probably not, but she might change her mind. She's been kind of temperamental lately."
"Well, okay, let's go." He held his arm out as to escort her, and she took it quietly. They strolled along for a few minutes, until they reached the ice cream shop. Hermione heard a shout from behind her again.
"Mione! What took you—oh, I'm sorry, who's your friend?" Draco turned around to see the littlest Weasley/Zabini for the second day in a row. "Oh, Dra—er, Malfoy. What… oh." Ginny looked kind of surprised, but a little happy. "Well, if you want some time…"
Hermione jumped in. "No, Gin, Draco just asked if he could accompany me, and I said it was up to you. He kind of ran in to me, so I thought I'd invite him. That okay?" she asked.
"Well, if he doesn't mind shopping."
Hermione turned to look at Draco, mischief sparkling in her brown eyes. "Well, I think he might be able to suffer for a few hours, right?" She grinned.
Oh gods, she is beautiful. She's naughty, too, teasing Ginny like that. I love her. He sighed out loud, looking kind of put out. "Well, if you're only going to be doing it for a few hours, I guess. That just isn't really enough time to get the proper clothes, though."
Ginny looked like she was about to fall over. "Mione, do you know what a good man you've got there?"
Hermione laughed. She sounds like an angel, Draco thought. "It's only nice at first. When all you want is a new pair of shoes, and he insists on shopping for two more 'just in case', then finding two outfits for each pair of shoes, well, it can get a little old." She grinned at Draco.
He grinned back. "Well, when you have three pairs of jeans, three t-shirts, three hoodies, and one skirt with one dress shirt, the combinations are limited. I was just trying to 'expand her horizons'."
Ginny laughed. They are SO made for each other, she thought. "All right, Mr. Fashion Expert, let's go find me some robes." The three of them set off for Madame Malkin's.
Two hours later, Ginny had three new robes for everyday and one cloak set. The cloak was a forest green crushed velvet, with matching satin trim around the sleeves and hem. It came with a dress in the green satin, trimmed in velvet, with a charm that caused it to grow and fit itself to her, no matter what size her stomach became. It was a gift from Hermione. Ginny had also received a set of navy every occasion robes that had little flecks of navy blue metallic incorporated, so it sparkled when she moved; a chocolate brown velour robe, lined with wool, for the cold months coming ahead, with matching mittens and scarf; and a dark gray robe trimmed with silver, for around the house and town. Draco, of course, had helped pick out the colors to go with her hair, and had bought the outside cloak as a present for their marriage. Ginny tried to deny it, since Draco had also rented the honeymoon suite for them, plus had paid for her wedding outfit (since her father didn't know about the wedding, he couldn't help), and been a witness for Blaise.
Anyway, as soon as they stepped onto the street, Ginny's stomach gave a huge rumble. She sighed and told the two 'thanks' for accompanying her, but she hadn't been home since before lunch, so she was going to go eat dinner with her mom. She smiled and hugged Hermione, then Draco, thanking them again for everything. "If you ever need something, don't hesitate to call on me, okay?"
"Of course, Gin. Well, have a good night," Hermione said, and with a smile, Ginny Disapparated to the Burrow.
Hermione and Draco were left standing in the middle of Diagon Alley, looking kind of uncomfortable with each other, but not wanting to leave. This is the most time I've spent with her in so long, and there hasn't been a harsh word, even. I don't want it to end.
I don't want to leave him, but I don't know how to say goodbye, Hermione thought to herself. You don't have to say 'goodbye', you know, the little voice in her head told her. You're right, she thought, and before she could change her mind, she blurted out, "I'm hungry. Want to get dinner?" She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
"Yes, I would love to," he replied, not thinking of anything except spending more time with his beautiful wife.
"Well, okay, then. Where do you want to go?"
"I want to try that, ah, chicken thing you told me about," he said.
"Sounds great. Let's go." They linked arms and made their way up the street. They made idle conversation about the weather and Puddlemere United, even though Hermione didn't really like Quidditch as much as Draco did. He knew this, and was surprised she brought the subject up. Is she trying to make me comfortable? Is she-
He didn't have time to finish his thought, because they had just seen the line outside the little restaurant. "Oh, my," Hermione said. "Maybe we'll just come back another time."
"No, no, don't worry about it. I see they have a host seating people, and he looks familiar," he mused. "Stay here for just a moment. I'll be right back." Hermione stood where she was and watched his blond head make its way through the throng of people standing in line. I wonder what he's up to.
A few minutes later, he made his way back to Hermione, smiling. "We should have a seat in about three minutes, Mione." He hoped she wouldn't notice what he called her, or better yet, that she would and would be okay with that. He briefly remembered last night, mostly the part where she told him he wasn't allowed to call her that.
"How do you do that?" she asked, slightly amazed. "You're just popular, I expect, Drakie-poo." She gave him an evil grin. She knew he hated being called that. So she doesn't want me to call her that still. At least she noticed. He smirked at her just because he could.
"All right, I get it. I'm sorry." Hermione stiffened. Oh, for crying out loud, NOW what did I say? "What? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just wasn't expecting… never mind…" she trailed off. She wasn't expecting what? He thought back to what he had said. All I said was 'I'm sorry'. Oh, maybe that's it.
"I'm sorry. Was that it?" he asked. She was saved from replying by the host calling out, "Table for two, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. This way, if you please." Hermione froze.
"Come on, everyone's watching," Draco urged. It was true; most of the people standing about were looking around for the 'Mrs.'. Draco was one of the Most Eligible Bachelors in Europe, according to Witch Weekly. With his looks, his personality, and of course his money, he was almost like the equivalent of America's JFK, Jr., who was snatched up by that woman that looked like a blond vulture. Everyone was wondering who could have snagged him? He was the catch of the century.
Hermione couldn't believe it. Yes, it's true, but does he have to announce it to the entire world? People talk. By tomorrow, it would be all over London. By the next day, all of England. Day after that, probably most of Europe would know. Not exactly low profile. How was she going to show her face at work tomorrow?
"Come on, Mrs. Malfoy," Draco whispered in her ear. He took her by the elbow and guided her through the crowd. Everyone was on tiptoe, trying to see her. I can't believe this is happening to me. She heard the whispers run through the crowd. 'She's nothing special.'
'She must have put him under a spell.'
'She's probably in it for the money.'
'What does he see in her?'
'She must be good in bed, that's all I can think of.'
"All right, that's enough," Draco yelled to the crowd. Everyone fell silent. "Yes, I'm married. It's not because she's good in bed, though she is," he said with a smirk. "She's not in it for the money; she has a good job. Now, if you'll excuse us, we are quite hungry. If anyone bothers her, they will have to answer to me."
No one spoke. They parted ways and let the couple through. Every eye was on them, and Hermione couldn't stand it. "I'm really not that hungry anymore," she whispered.
"Nonsense. I can hear you stomach."
"No, it's okay. Let's just leave."
"No. I will not let it be known that my wife is afraid to go out in public with me. It reflects poorly on you, and in return, reflects poorly on me."
"Draco, I can't be seen with you! Think of what it would do to my career!"
Draco was hurt by her remark. He knew he was putting her in a precarious position, but the fact that she was more concerned about her job than him really irritated him.
"Would you feel better if I escorted you to the restroom so you could change your appearance?" His tone was slightly frosty.
Completely oblivious to how he was feeling, Hermione looked up at him, gratitude filling her eyes. "Yes, please, if you would."
How can I deny her? The look of thanks and relief in her eyes made him ignore his own hurt feelings. He immediately asked where the restroom was and took her there.
A few minutes later, Hermione emerged, not looking like herself at all. Her hair was still long and curly, but it was now a dark brown, almost black. Her eyes were no longer chocolate colored, they were ice blue. Her skin had also become quite pale, almost as pale as his own. She had also changed the color of her cloak to a dark purple.
"Darling, you look absolutely gorgeous." Draco was practically drooling. Not that she wasn't hot before, but change is the spice of life, right?
"You think so?" she asked, twirling.
"Yes. I have only one request, though."
"What's that?"
"Change your eyes back to brown, please."
"Why? Don't you like blue?" she asked, a little uncertain.
"Not on you. I love your eyes. You just don't look like, well, you without them."
She blushed a little. "Okay, but just for you," she teased. She swished her wand in front of her face and her eyes changed back. "How's that?"
"Beautiful."
Hermione was flustered. She felt like she was a teenager on her first date. I don't know why; I know Draco. I'm married to him, for Merlin's sake. He's my husband. Why do I feel so… unsure of myself?
"Well, are you finally ready?" Draco offered his arm to her again. She took it, following him. They were seated at a little table in the back, away from prying eyes. The news that Draco Malfoy was married, and had his wife here with him, had already spread through the restaurant. Everyone followed their progress all the way to the very back of the room.
They sat down and ordered onion rings and mozzarella sticks. While they were waiting for the appetizers to appear, they sipped on their drinks and made small talk. When the food finally arrived, they ordered dinner and wine. Draco ordered the veal Parmigana, and Hermione the chicken Alfredo. Instead of a white wine, they decided on a drier red. They also ordered Caesar salads and garlic breadsticks.
After the mozzarella sticks and most of the onion rings had disappeared, Draco pulled his package out from underneath the table. "Mrs. Malfoy, I bought something for you." They had decided to stick with 'Mrs. Malfoy' just in case someone overheard her first name and put two and two together.
"You didn't have to do that, Draco." She smiled shyly as he extended the package across the table to her.
"Of course I did. Why wouldn't I buy a present for my wife?"
She flushed again. It's so… strange. I know I'm his wife, but I sure don't feel like it. It just doesn't sound… right. She accepted the package and slowly unwrapped the brown paper.
"Oh, Draco, how did you know?" she squeaked, admiring the front cover. "I've had a hold on this for months. How did you…?"
"I have my sources." Thanks, Abigail.
"I don't know what to say."
"'Thank you' would be a good start," he teased.
"Well, thank you. I appreciate it so much." She beamed at him. She flipped the book over and admired the rest of the artwork. "It's beautiful. I love it. Thank you again." She stood up, walked around to his side of the table, and gave him a kiss.
Oh, this is what I've wanted for so long. Draco wanted the kiss to stretch on for hours.
- - - - -
I can't believe I'm doing this. Hermione was surprised at herself. Am I really that desperate that I'm kissing him for giving me a book? She hoped that wasn't the case. Instead of breaking it off, though, she deepened it, leaning in to position herself better. He moaned deep in his throat, which only excited her more. She suddenly realized she probably looked kind of stupid standing like that. Draco seemed to notice, too, because he pulled her onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist.
She couldn't help but wind her arms around his neck and thread her fingers in to his hair. This feels so… right. I think this is meant-
She didn't get to finish her thought because the waiter showed up at that moment. He cleared his throat and waited for the couple to look at him.
"Yes?" Draco sounded a bit angry at being interrupted.
"I just came to see if I should find you a private room."
"That would be nice. If you have a private room, why didn't you sit us there to begin with?" Draco definitely sounded peeved at the thought.
"I apologize, sir, but it was being used at the time."
Draco seemed to be appeased. "Yes, take us there, please."
"Follow me, sir." They went up a flight of stairs and entered the first room on the left. "Your dinner will be brought up shortly, unless you'd like a little time to get settled in first?"
"Have it brought up in ten minutes."
"As you wish, sir. Would you like more wine brought up with it?"
"Of course. Did you think we would eat our dinner with nothing to drink?"
"I apologize, sir," the waiter was bowing now, "you will not be bothered again."
"See to it." Draco shut the door in the waiter's face.
"That was kind of rude, you know."
"Yeah, well, that was a kind of stupid question, you know."
Hermione giggled a bit. "Yes, it was. Still…"
Draco cut her off with a finger on her lips. "Now, where were we?"
Hermione smiled nervously. "Um, I'm not sure. Maybe you should refresh my memory."
"I think I can arrange that," Draco said, smirking.
