A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short. Next will be longer, I promise.
"Do I look ok?" Hermione asked as she checked her reflection. Her wavy chestnut hair was falling over her shoulder beautifully. She chose an ankle length, strapless red dress. It hung against her body in a wonderful way showing off her curves.
"You look perfect" Marcus assured her as she straightened his tie. "As do I?" Marcus said grinning at his reflection.
"Arrogant prat" Hermione muttered. She took the lipstick from her purse and applied it carefully. 'The deep red brought out her color and she couldn't help smile at the results. Marcus held his arm out to Hermione.
"Milady" he said. Hermione curtsied playfully and took his arm.
"Thank you" she giggled and they headed sown to the restaurant. Adrian was waiting by the door for them.
"You two make a right smart couple" Adrian said sizing them up. Marcus opened the door for Hermione.
"Thanks old friend" Marcus replied. Adrian led Hermione and Marcus to a table on the deck, not far from where they sat before. They ordered drinks and began to small talk. Adrian pulled out a pack of cigarettes.
"I told Malfoy to jump on board but he hesitated and lost a good advertising chance" Adrian said, lighting a cigarette handing them to Marcus. Marcus followed suit nodding at the conversation. Adrian stopped and stared at Hermione. "How did you two meet?"
"Pansy" They both replied.
"Pansy?" Adrian echoed. "Pansy Parkinson?"
"Yes, she threw a dinner party and invited Hermione, we met there" Marcus explained.
"Oh, and Potter is ok with this?" Adriana asked, "A Gryffindor and a Slytherin together?"
"Potter is dating Pansy" Marcus replied taking a sip of his whiskey.
"The world must be ending" Adrian joked. "What do you do hermione?" Adrian asked.
"I work as a curse breaker for Gringotts" Hermione told him.
"That's impressive" Adrian replied. Penelope finally broke her stony silence.
"I thought you were with Viktor Krum" Penelope said. Hermione looked at her.
"Excuse me?" hermione asked, shocked by the former ravensclaws statement.
"Last time I spoke with Percy Weasley, he mentioned you were living with Viktor Krum" Penelope explained.
"When was that?" Hermione countered, 'Let me guess about a year ago?"
Penelope nodded, Hermione laughed. "Thought so" Hermione sighed, "I was living with Viktor but we broke things off, a while ago"
Adrian reached over poked Penelope on side, "Sorry" Penelope muttered.
"That's ok" Hermione replied. Marcus was looking at Hermione differently. She wondered what that was in his eyes. Pity? Sympathy? Hermione hated talking about Viktor and how badly her heart got broken.
"Hermione love?" Marcus said, "Would you lie to dance?"
For the first time that evening Hermione noticed the soft music in the background. "Sure" Hermione said, 'I would love too". Marcus stood and helped Hermione to her feet. He led her to the dance floor, pulling her close.
"What happened with Krum?" he asked.
"The same thing that happens with every man I love" Hermione said looking away. "He cheated on me and then left me"
"Well them he is as stupid as he looks" Marcus replied.
"What happened with you and Penelope?" Hermione asked.
"I told you, I broke things off" Marcus replied.
"Why?" Hermione asked.
"Because I didn't love her" Marcus answered. "Leave it"
Hermione dropped the subject but promised herself she would get to the bottom of it.