Hey guys. Hope you're enjoying the story so far, it's about to get a wee bit interesting. I think the chapter kinda lacks so I'm sorry but hope you enjoy anyway.  Characters copyrighted to J.K. Rowling. Original story by sakurazukamori and fuma121.

.:Chapter 3 – The Truth:.

She stood in front of the full length mirror that was inlaid into the mahogany wardrobe. Her stomach was full of butterflies making her feel more nervous than she had ever been before. She reprimanded herself for being foolish... this was Draco Malfoy she was meeting. The mere mention of the name meant that her evening would end in probable disaster. Sighing, she closed the wardrobe door and walked over towards the dressing table. It was nearly 7 o'clock and still no sign of Harry. She had a cover story all set in case he wondered where she was going, even though she knew he would not even be at home this weekend. She thought he was on a work trip or more than likely visiting the Weasley's for the weekend. Ron's death had obviously hit them all hard and even with Percy returning to the Weasley roost, nothing could make up for their loss. Mrs. Weasley had taken Harry on as a surrogate son so it was only right for him to visit and support her.

"Harry," she whispered, looking at the picture of the two of them together.

She sat down in front of the mirror of her dressing table looking at her reflection. She had sleeked her hair and swept it back from her face, clipping it up with a butterfly grip. Stray, wispy tendrils of golden-brown broke free from the clip's hold, framing her face. It was only then that she noticed how tired and washed out she looked; the years of sleepless nights had really taken its toll on her appearance. Reluctantly, she opened up one of the draws and looked at the makeup inside. It had been awhile since she had worn it, she didn't even know if now was the right time to start wearing it. However, she wouldn't give Draco the chance to insult her about how tired she looked. Carefully, she began to apply foundation, paying special attention to the dark, puffy circles that framed her joyless eyes. She brushed her cheekbones with the slightest amount of rouge and applied a dusky pink lipstick to her lips.

It was surprising just how much difference a small amount of makeup could make. Standing up she smoothed out the creases in her dress and walk over to the mirror one last time. She studied her appearance; she was wearing a smart black dress, neither too short nor too long with thin straps that were laced with obsidian. The dress was neither too baggy nor too loose, but was tailored so it hugged her curves in the right places. Around her neck she wore an onyx choker that contrasted beautifully with her pale skin. She decided on a pair of black high heels to finish off the outfit, complete with a dark burgundy stole that she wrapped about her shoulders.

A loud cracking noise distracted her attention from the mirror – it must have been Draco apparating. Sure enough, the doorbell started to ring.

Ok, Hermione, this is it, dinner with Draco Malfoy. You can do it.

Picking up her clutch bag she headed towards the front door, taking deep calming breaths along the way.

Draco casually ran a hand through his blonde hair as he saw a silhouette approach the front door. He was amazed when this silhouette opened the door and transformed into an almost unrecognisable Hermione Granger. She looked both stunning and elegant. Her usual unruly tangle of curls was deftly swept up showing off the delicate bone structure of her face. For the first time in his life, Draco Malfoy was truly lost for words.

"You, uh... you look good," he said, ashamed at his inability to give her a better compliment. She'd probably think he was lying anyway, but that wasn't the point.

"Uh, thanks," she replied, trying not to stare at the impeccably turned out man in front of her.

She had to admit it, he did look good... in fact, he looked better than good. His hair, although lacking a definite style, remained dishevelled like earlier yet inexplicably stylish at the same time. He was wearing a well-tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath worn without a tie. For a moment, she allowed her eyes to catch a glimpse of his face. The moonlight caught his piercing cheekbones and exposed the slightest hint of stubble framing his jawline. She felt blood rushing to her cheeks, but somehow managed to maintain a somewhat calm composure – there was no way she was going to inflate his ego anymore.

"Shall we go then?" he asked, a soft smile gracing his lips.

"Sure," she replied, forcing a strained smile back.

With two ear splitting cracks, they apparated into the night.

Within seconds they had arrived on the Via Opulentae, an upmarket Diagon Alley near the West End of London. Hermione had never seen wizarding shops and restaurants such as these before. In a way, they reminded her of the muggle shops her mum used to take her to in Oxford Circus and Covent Garden when she was younger. However, these shops were beyond anything in the muggle world. The street they walked on seemed to shimmer with star dust and real faeries were caught in the street lamps, waving at the people who passed. Draco looked at the wonder that had filled Hermione's face and gave a slight chuckle.

"I take it you've never been here before?" he questioned.

"Never," she replied, her eyes fixated on the pixies that were sprinkling pixie dust on the ground in front of them.

"My mother used to take me here all the time," said Draco, a slight hint of pride in his voice as he talked about his mother, Narcissa Malfoy. "Well, that was before...," but he trailed off.

"Before what?" probed Hermione unexpectedly noticing the downcast look in his eyes.

"It doesn't matter," he replied quickly mentally smacking his head as he realised how weak and soppy he must've seemed. This was Hermione Granger; he couldn't let his guard down around her. In an attempt to distract her attention, Draco held out his hand and watched as a pixie hovered above it, sprinkling dust into it. He turned to face Hermione.

"Hold out your hand,"

"Okay," she replied, unsure of why he was asking her to do it. He poured the pixie dust from his hand on to hers. Her eyes widened as she felt the warmth emanating from it. It was comforting and reassuring; she turned and gave Draco a slight smile. Perhaps the evening wasn't going to be as bad as she originally anticipated...

The walk along the Via Opulentae was interspersed with short bursts of conversation. However, Hermione was more interested at how beautiful everything was.

"We're here," he said, as they stopped outside a rather sophisticated looking restaurant.

"Ardesco?" she mumbled. She had vaguely remembered reading about it in the 'Witch? Restaurant' guide, apparently it was one of the best restaurants in London, owned by the Creevey Brothers.

The interior of the restaurant was as spellbinding as the exterior. For a wizarding restaurant, it was surprisingly modern – the muggle-born Creevey Brothers obviously didn't care too much for wizard drapery. However, the ceiling did remind her somewhat of Hogwarts, enchanted to look like the night's sky complete with all the different constellations. The Maitre d' showed them to their table situated in a niche away from most of the other diners looking on to the street outside. Hermione removed her stole and draped it across the back of her chair.

"Oh, by the way, the food here isn't cooked by house elves," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "Thought you'd like to know."

"Well... that was very considerate of you," she replied sarcastically. In all honesty, it was considerate of him to remember that she had a problem with house elves, but she didn't want to seem too grateful... not yet.

The food in the restaurant was delicious, completely deserving of its five star rating. Hermione leant back, full from her main course and took a sip from her glass of wine.

"I can't believe I'm here with you," she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Oh, come on... its not that bad, is it?" he asked, cocking his head to one side.

Hermione took another sip from her wineglass; a slight smile crossed her lips as she pondered his question. To be honest, the evening had gone smoothly although the conversation never went beyond the conformities of restaurant talk.

"No, I guess not," she replied, folding her napkin.

Draco watched the way her delicate hands folded the napkin, once, twice...

"Listen, I'm sorry about earlier and, well, I guess I'm sorry about everything really," he said sincerely.

Hermione stopped folding the napkin and looked up at him, a coy smile forming on her rosebud lips. She could tell he was not used to apologising for himself and she wasn't going to let him get away with it so easily.

"A Malfoy apologising? A rare sight indeed!" she laughed, running her finger around the rim of her wineglass. The wine had managed to loosen her up and gave her a renewed confidence she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Hey, cut it out," he sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Hermione smiled and for the first time that evening brought her amber eyes up to look into his grey ones. The way she looked at him unnerved Draco – it felt like she was peering into his very soul.

"What?" he asked, growing uncomfortable with her prolonged stare.

"Nothing," she replied. "I'm just trying to work out why."

"Why, what?" he questioned further, discernment highlighting his words.

"Why you've all of a sudden changed into what appears to be a rather decent person," she concluded.

"Is it so wrong for people to want to change?" he replied, shooting her a hurt look. "I just want to make the most of my life... the way I was before..." His voiced trailed off as he remembered how he had acted and who he had acted on behalf of.

Hermione sensed his reluctance to talk about his past; perhaps it hurt him as much as it had hurt her? Something inside compelled her to reach out and show him that it was okay... that it was okay to change. She was startled by her own forwardness as she placed her hand on his.

"Its okay," she reassured. "People are allowed to change... even people like you."

Draco was surprised to feel the warmth of Hermione's hand on top of his and smiled at the hint of sarcasm he detected in her voice.

"What about you?" he began. "You've changed."

"I've had to change," she whispered, barely audible but Draco managed to hear it.

"Potter?" he probed, being as gentle as he could permit himself to be about his least favourite subject.

Hermione looked away, hurt plastered all over her face. They had managed to go the whole evening without having to bring that subject up and now she felt wretched that she was here with Draco instead of being back home with Harry.

"Look... I, um, I really should go," began Hermione. "I've got a tonne of paperwork to do and-"

"Stop," he interrupted, putting his hand on her arm.

Hermione looked at him, unsure of what this unfamiliar touch meant.

"Don't you ever want to do something for yourself? Make yourself happy," he questioned, gently letting go of her arm, "instead of someone else?"

She could feel tears stinging her eyes, but she would not let him see her cry. No one would see her cry, not anymore.

"Of course I do," she replied, a slight quiver fell into her voice. "I just don't know how."

Draco watched as Hermione began to wrap her silken stole about her bare shoulders as she prepared to leave.

"I can't let you apparate in this state," said Draco. "We'll take a cab back to yours."

"Thanks," she replied, grateful that he wasn't going to let her try and apparate when not only was she upset, but slightly tipsy too.

The night air was refreshing as they left Ardesco; Hermione's light-headedness began to subside as she took in deep breaths of the cool air. Draco removed his wand and drew a large 'T' out in front of them both... with an almighty CRACK a London Hackney cab was waiting to take them to where ever they wanted to go.

"Alright mate, where ya headin'?" said the cabby in a broad cockney accent.

"To Prewett Square please," replied Hermione.

"Right you are love," smiled the cabby, giving her a wink through the glass divider.

The moment Hermione stepped out of the taxi, she vowed it would be the last time she would ever take one again. The experience was something like the Knight Bus, but far jerkier and a lot less comfortable. Draco paid the taxi driver and with another CRACK the taxi disappeared into the night leaving Hermione and Draco standing outside her apartment.

"Thanks for dinner," she began. "I had a really nice-"

However, before she could finish Draco put a finger to her lips instantly silencing her.

"Ssshh," he whispered.

Slowly, he removed his finger and gently placed his hand on the small of her back. Hermione felt her stomach tie itself up in knots; he was so close to her that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. She brought her eyes up to meet his and held his gaze. Something like gravity was pulling them closer towards each other... she felt a warm hand stoke the side of her face as their lips brushed together. The kiss was soft, gentle, but underneath it all was the desire for something more...

Ooo, naughty Hermione! But come on, who could resist those Malfoy charms? Hope you liked the chapter, sorry nothing majorly exciting happens – that's saved for Chapter 4, so keep on reading!