Chapter 16

Hogsmeade

Over the last few weeks it had been slightly different between Hermione and Draco. They still didn't talk much, but they didn't avoid each other either. In fact they would both work at the table in the Head's common room. They would sit and work quietly never saying a word. They would, however, announce where they were going and where they were going to be, but that was it.

It was getting closer to Christmas so they were all able to go to Hogsmeade to do some shopping. Hermione was heading down to the spot were she was to meet Harry, Ginny, and Ron. Kiara was going to spend time some much needed time with her friends since she hadn't really spent as much time with them other than meals, since lately she has been eating with Ron more. Hermione got there in time to see Ron and Kiara kiss goodbye for the day.

"So are you guys ready?" Hermione said jokingly as if she was the one that had been standing there waiting forever.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Miss Head Girl." Ginny replied sarcastically. They all laughed.

They headed down to Hogsmeade. It was cold outside and the clouds looked as if it would snow at any minute. They first stopped in at the ice cream shop that Hermione used to work at. It was packed full, which was strange because it was cold outside. Although she was busy behind the counter serving the customers, the owner Elizabeth had seen Hermione.

"Hermione, sorry but I could use your help for a few minutes?" Elizabeth pleaded.

"Sure Elizabeth." With that Hermione washed her hands grabbed an apron, threw it on and headed to a register and opened it making a second line. Her friends stood off to the side behind the counter waiting for Hermione. They watched her work quickly and it was obvious that she has done it many times before. Soon Draco was the next in line with his friends and Hermione looked up to see him then grabbed a cone and put two scoops of chocolate ice cream on it and handed it to him. He took the cone and gave her exact change and everything, then went to find a table. Harry, Ginny, and Ron couldn't help but to noticed that the entire order took place without a word, and they realized that they must have done this many times before. She moved on to his friends and then to the rest of the line. Soon the place only consisted of people that were sitting down and already had their ice creams.

"Thank you Hermione for your help! You and your friends get yours free." Elizabeth said thankfully.

"You are welcome, and thank you," Hermione said. The rest of them said their thank-yous and got their ice creams. After they were finished they said good-bye to Elizabeth and headed to the next place that would continue their sugar buzz, Honeyduke's. As they headed there Hermione felt as if they were being followed, so she glanced over her shoulder to see Draco and his gang behind them. He was looking at the stores that they passed, trying to be unsuspecting. She kept looking back until her eyes meet his. He knew she knew he was following her. She lifted her eyebrow and smiled suggestively at him. His eyes widened and he returned the smile. She was messing with him now, although she liked it that he followed her around, however she wouldn't admit it to herself. At first it kind of made her uneasy, but now it was different. She turned back to her friends and walked into Honeyduke's.

They finished their shopping and went to all of the stores that they wanted to go to. They all decided to go to the Three Broom Sticks and get some butterbeers. Draco of course came in right after them. It was surprising to Hermione that her friends didn't notice Draco following them all day, and that Draco's friends didn't realize that they were following them, but then again, his friends were idiots.

"So Ron are things are getting pretty serious with Kiara?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah actually I was thinking about proposing to her when school gets out." Ron replied turning slightly red.

"She will totally say yes Ron, she is so in love with you. I just don't think you should wait that long," Ginny said.

"Yeah mate she'll probably want to tie the not before Ginny goes back for her last year," Harry added.

"Yeah, with out you guys there," Ginny, said with a pouting face. Harry leaned over and kissed her.

"It will be alright Ginny," Hermione said with a sweet smile.

"I know. Besides you all will be busy with your Auror training so it's not like you'll be out having a great time without me. Plus, I'll join you in a year."

"So what do you plan on doing when you complete Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.

"Well, I am not exactly sure yet. I may work for the Ministry, but I'm not sure," she answered.

"Well the last Weasley to work for the Ministry went mental, so keep that in mind when you tell mum and dad about it," Ron cautioned with a smile.

"Well what do you suggest then? Everyone else has interesting jobs, or at least knows what they want to do. Every Weasley has a good job too, well except Percy, but he HAD a good job," she said.

"You could become an Auror with us," Harry said.

"Yeah, but I don't want to just do something just because my friends were doing it. I want to make sure that it is the right thing for me. What, do you think I just give in to pressure from my boyfriend?" Ginny said with a smile.

"No, you don't," Harry said with a look.

"Watch it mate, or I'll pound you into next year!" Ron laughed. "On the other hand you two would have to get married. Well, get to it then!" He said as he pushed Ginny at Harry.

Ginny turned as red as her hair, and Harry snorted butterbeer out of his nose. Hermione and Ron just laughed.

"Anyway, as for the Auror thing, I will think about it," Ginny confirmed.

They all finished their butterbeers and started back for the school because it was getting late. Kiara had joined them for the walk up and was busy catching up with Ron about her day. It was cute how Ron was actually interested in what she had to say and even carried her bags. Ron transferred all the bags to one hand as he wrapped the other around Kiara, bringing her closer to him. Hermione looked over at Ginny and Harry and watched as Harry had his arms around Ginny to keep her warm as the snow started to fall. The snow started to fall more heavily and they quickened their pace so that they could make it back before it got too bad outside. While she walked between the cuddling couples she realized that she was the only person without a somebody. She really wanted to concentrate on school and focus on her future job as an Auror. So, she was ok with that for now she thought to herself. She raised her eyes to Draco who was now walking in front of them looking at her. She was ok with being alone….or was she?

A/N: Hey everyone! I am so happy I can finally update something funky was happening with my account page, everytime I would click on the upload document page the page kept minimizing to the lower page bar. They have also changed some stuff and i figured it out! Well now it works! I really have some WONDERFUL reviewers! Thank you for your lovely words they mean so much to me! Now onto the questions –

Lilred-07: I know I should have put more description into the dance moves I was just afraid that it would sound dumb because I am not a dancer, lol. I do have another chapter it will bethe 7th years end of Hogwarts ball towards the end of the story I did put more move descriptions in there I just hope you guys like it and have fun with it. lol But I am glad that you liked it.

Goldenlion: You asked if her friends would have let her dance. Maybe, maybe not I feltsince they were right there to make sure nothing happened then they wouldn't mind and he did challenge her. lol.

HippiechicSMEB: I always listen to music when I read a story and when I write it too, it just makes the mood more intense I think lol.

Inugirl now:You asked,Why does Draco like Hermione now is it because she knows his secrets or because he saw her in that outfit, Well in chapter 18 and 20 he explains things a little I really really want to answer but I don't want to ruin anything, if you still have questions after that I will be happy to explain. I hope that's okay. )