A/N: Sorry about the delay, I couldn't log on yesterday.
Chapter Three- First Date
Draco stood at the bar, admiring his date from afar. Never before had he seen a woman look so beautiful. Hermione had arrived before him and was seated at the special table overlooking London he had requested. Her crimson cocktail dress was simple yet elegant, very much like Hermione herself. If she wore makeup, you couldn't tell, her inner beauty just seemed to radiate throughout her presence, making her that much more beautiful in his eyes. Her hair fell in loose curls, framing her face perfectly. She was simply stunning and Draco realized that he was not the only one admiring the young witch. Part of him was a little surprised that she had decided to come and a rush of nervousness crept upon him. Just don't screw this up he thought to himself as he made his was over to the table.
He was late, well he was only 15 minutes late, but she was still annoyed, Hermione was always a prompt woman. His tardiness was only part of the problem, she was annoyed with herself. Confidence was something that Hermione never lacked and yet fear managed to sneak in with every moment that Draco was late. What if he decided not to come, what if it was a sick joke? With the last thought the fear turned to anger. How dare he stand her up, he was still the same arrogant little jerk he had been in school. Wait a minute, get a grip on yourself; it has only been 15 minutes, why are you getting so worked up? Hermione immediately began to calm herself; it was only then that she noticed Draco approaching the table in what looked like a muggle suit. What? She watched as he approached her with the cool confidence only Draco Malfoy could possess. She noticed the smirk dance upon his lips as he caught her checking him out, and she instantly blushed.
"I am sorry that I am late, I was admiring the most beautiful thing I have seen in awhile and lost track of the time" he said with a smile as he slid into the booth.
"And what was that" she asked curious as to what could have caught the wizards attention?
"You," he replied, "I arrived shortly after you were seated, you look magnificent." His comment was immediately rewarded with her beautiful smile.
"Thank you, you are in a muggle suit that is something I never thought I would see you in. It looks very nice on you."
"Well I figured that you might come in muggle clothing so I figured I might as well too. Muggle clothing isn't so bad; some of it is down right nice."
"How long have you been wearing muggle clothing?"
"I don't wear them a lot, but I have a few suits and casual items. They are nice to have when I am visiting some of my friend's family."
"Well I like it; you should do it more often."
"So should you, that dress is amazing" Draco said as he looked into her eyes. A slow blush crept across Hermione's cheeks as a small smile graced her mouth.
"You are making me blush, lets change the subject" she replied. Hermione never was used to receiving compliments, whenever anyone did so she could help but feel a little embarrassed.
"Alright," he said with a smile, "why don't you tell me what you are currently researching.
The two talked easily throughout dinner about many things, not once was the conversation awkward or forced. They talked of previous relationships and offered each other insight as to what may have gone wrong. Hermione talked of what it was like being friends with Harry and Ron and the attention that came with the friendship. Draco talked about some of the life lessons he had learned from his friend Justin and his family. They talked of favorite foods and most embarrassing moments, and soon they noticed that they were the last people in the restaurant. A little reluctant to end the date, Draco franticly racked his brain for an idea.
"So it's a lovely night and I only live about a mile away. Do you want to walk me home," Hermione asked with a renewed sense of confidence.
"That would be nice" Draco replied once again amazed at the witch in front of him. He stood and offered his hand to help her out of the booth. Unfortunately he underestimated his own strength and pulled her just a tad to hard causing her to be tugged right into him. He embarrassed her to keep them from both falling. After catching her eye, the two just stood there in each others arms until Hermione smiled, backed away and began to straighten out her dress. Draco helped her into her Jacket then escorted her outside into the warm spring night.
It was a beautiful night for a walk, the sky was clear and the half moon was accompanied by millions of stars. The two walked slowly side by side admiring things in the shop windows and people watching. Hermione was unaware of when her had had been enclosed by his, but she noticed it now, and she was surprised at how right it felt. She was really enjoying her evening and for the first time in years, she hated the fact that she had work to do in the morning. It wasn't that she wanted to sleep with him, it was just the date had been perfect and perfection is something that should never have to end. Draco had been the perfect gentleman, and he was just so easy to get along with. That's was the weird thing to her, how funny would it be to use a time turner, go back to her 4th year and tell her younger self that she had just had the most amazing date with her worst enemy. Of course she wouldn't do it, but it was a funny idea, young Hermione would probably have an aneurism. Yet, here she was, on a date with Draco Malfoy, and it had been wonderful so far. In fact, the date was going so well, she didn't even noticed that they had passed her house and were now approaching the park in her neighborhood.
"So how much longer until we reach your home" Draco asked secretly hoping that they had miles more to walk?
"Oh my! You aren't going to believe this but we already passed it."
"You are kidding me right?" He asked with a grin.
"I am so embarrassed" she replied as she stopped under a street light to get her bearings.
" Don't be, I was kind of hoping that we still had a while to go" Draco admitted.
"You were?"
"I still am. I am having a wonderful time and I hate the fact that the night has to end soon" he said as he took a step closer to her.
"I know what you mean" she said as leaned in closer to him, took his other hand into her free one.
She subconsciously bit her lower lip in anticipation. His arms slowly encircled her waist, closing the distance between them and his lips descended upon hers in a chaste kiss. Upon opening his eyes, he was greeted with the most beautiful smile and he was instantly on her mouth again. Dizzying, that was the best way that Hermione's logical brain could explain what she felt as she kissed Draco that evening. The second kiss wasn't much more than the first, but the affect it had on her was enough to make her knees go weak for the slightest of instants. WOW, she thought as their lips parted and Draco's forehead rested on hers. Ending the night just became that much harder. But, it had to be done, she needed to work in the morning, and so did Draco, there was nothing else that could make this evening anymore perfect. And so, it was with a reluctant heart that she pulled out of his embrace.
"We have to go, tomorrow we must be adults" she told him quietly.
"I know," he replied taking her hand in his once again, "let me get you home." The two walked in silence for two blocks before reaching Hermione's flat.
"I had a wonderful evening, thank you Draco" she said as she turned to face him after unlocking her door.
"I did too, I want to see you again" Draco replied not even caring if he sounded a little desperate.
"Friday?"
"Sounds great" he replied as he looked into her eyes and pulled her in for one last kiss. Draco left her home that even happy with that last picture of Hermione before she shut her door. It was truly the most radiant smile he had ever seen. Of coarse he was completely unaware of the goofy grin that plastered itself to his own face. It didn't matter anyways, Hermione had agreed to go out with him again, and he was a very happy wizard.
A/N: First I wanted to thank everyone for the great reviews again, and also thank you for the birthday wishes. I am sorry if this chapter is a little short. I hope it didn't disappoint you, I hate waiting all weekend for a chapter just to be let down. Well every one have a wonderful day.
