Life is a Masquerade- Chapter 5- Promises Kept and Courtyard Courting
Hermione sat on her bed brushing her hair and thinking about her date with Blaise in two hours. She got up from the bed and went to her trunk. She pulled out her favorite pair of jeans and a black silk camisole with a lace neckline. She pulled on black flats and applied some eyeliner. She grabbed her wand and headed down to the entrance hall to meet Blaise. As she walked there, she felt someone walking beside her. She turned to look and was not surprised to find Ginny.
"So, I heard you have a hot date with Blaise Zanbini. Seeing as you are dressed up, the rumors must be correct." she said, smiling mischievously.
"Why does everybody care so much? It's just a date. And by the way, I did go to the ball with him just to debunk that rumor while we are at it." Hermione replied, feigning annoyance.
"I was just saying. You're pretty lucky. He's beautiful." Ginny said, a glazed look in her eyes.
"Then why don't YOU go out with him?" Hermione asked. "You really could get any guy you wanted if you tried."
"Yes, I know, but the one I want is currently taken. But that's all beside the point. How do Harry and Ron feel about this? Oh, and I told you that you and Ron shouldn't date, by the by." Ginny added.
"What do you mean 'how do they feel'? Why should I care what they think?" Hermione said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Because they are your best friends, whether you like it or not. And if you haven't noticed, Blaise IS a Slytherin, and you well know that Gryffindors and Slytherins are supposed to hate each other." Ginny explained.
"Well, I think that's a stupid rule. Draco is the only one ruining it for the Slytherins. Some of them aren't all that bad. And Blaise hates Malfoy, so I don't really have anything against him, do I?" Hermione said, nodding curtly as if to prove her point.
"Whatever, but you better talk with Harry and Ron before you get too serious with this guy. Oh, and maybe all of my family, otherwise you'll be kicked out for sure. I'll talk to Fred and George, they love me." Ginny said and with that flitted off as if they had just had a nice chat about nothing in particular.
She can be so strange Hermione thought to herself.
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A little while later Hermione was walking down to Hogsmead with Blaise. They talked about nothing in particular, ignoring the glares and whispers and stares coming from various classmates. They chatted about Quidditch and the classes that they shared. They walked though the gates and Hermione followed Blaise. She realized she didn't know where they were going, so decided to ask.
"A little place I know of." Blaise said, leaving Hermione in the dark.
They walked on in silence until they came to a little courtyard. Blaise produced a key and unlocked the gate, gesturing Hermione to lead the way. She sat down in one of the two chairs that were pulled up to a small table. Blaise sat after pushing Hermione's chair in for her. He waved his wand and a wonderful picnic feast appeared before them. After pouring her some Butterbeer, Blaise raised his glass.
"To people's faith in one another." he toasted, looking into Hermione's eyes with his own deep blue ones.
Hermione blushed and drank. She looked around at the plant filled courtyard. Ivy covered the walls and a little fountain gurgled in the corner. She turned back to Blaise who was serving her some Greek dish with what looked like grape leaves.
"Whose courtyard is this? It's beautiful." she asked, curious.
Blaise smiled. "A family friend used to run a restaurant here but they closed shop when their baby was born. I fixed this place up and come here to get away sometimes." he explained.
"It's great." She took a bite of good looking pasta and moaned with pleasure. It was delicate and savory. "What is this?" she asked, taking another bite.
"It's an old family recipe. Ravioli stuffed with cheese and mushrooms, cooked with a secret sauce. I'm glad you like it." he said, flashing another of his brilliant smiles.
"Wonderful. Did you make them yourself?" Hermione inquired.
"I cooked everything myself. When you're half Greek and half Italian, you are raised in the kitchen." he said, laughing.
Hermione laughed too and continued to eat. They had pasta and Caesar salad and many Greek dishes she couldn't pronounce the names of. They conversed more openly with the food to help them along. Blaise spoke of his beautiful home and large family that live partly in Italy and partly in Greece. Hermione talked about her small family, small house, and her longing for siblings. After a wonderful dessert of sweet baklava, Hermione helped to clean and Vanish the plates and left over food. By the time they were done the stars were out.
"What time is it!" Hermione asked, worried that they were out past curfew.
"About 9 I think. Don't worry, I got permission from Dumbledore." he explained, comforting her. "Are you cold?" he asked, offering her his jacket.
Hermione took it, welcoming the warmth. It smelled wonderful, like good cooking, warm nights, and fresh earth. They walked back through the gates and up towards Hogwarts. Hermione looked up at the castle.
"Beautiful, isn't it." she said.
"Yes, beautiful." Blaise said.
Hermione turned to look at him and found he wasn't looking up at the castle but right at her. She blushed and looked down at the ground. Blaise stepped closer, gathering her in his arms.
"May I?" he asked, longing in his eyes.
"Please." Hermione found herself saying before she felt his lips on hers.
Blaise pulled her closer, deepening the kiss when he found Hermione kissing him back. They broke away for air reluctantly and smiled at each other. Blaise took Hermione's hand and lead her to the castle. Before walking through the doors he kissed her again and bid her good night. She whispered good night to him and watched him as he walked to the Slytherin common room, a lightness in his step. She went to the Gryffindor common room to find it mostly empty and continued up to the dorm. She pulled on her silk pajama bottoms and a tank top before climbing into bed and falling into a sweet sleep, dreams full of courtyards, pasta, and amazingly deep blue eyes.