Chapter 2-Awkward Encounters

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the old characters, old spells, you get the idea. However, I do own new characters, new places, new spells, and the plot.

Revision

After successfully shaking her mum off, Hermione apparated to Diagon Alley, where she met up (unplanned of course and by coincidence) with Ron and Harry. Her two male companions were completely taken aback at how she had changed over the summer.

'Holy crap 'Mione, you've really changed!' remarked Harry, ruffling his hair.

'You're absolutely stunning! I'm the luckiest guy in the world.' chuckled Ron. Hermione hadn't seen Ron since the end of the school year.

Hermione and Ron walked down the cobbled street hand in hand, ogling at each other, with Harry in tow. Ron snickered because he heard Harry grumbling about how they'd been shopping for no more that 5 minutes and already the couple was fawning over each other.

Harry and Ron stopped to look into a new candy shop, Fritzy's Fantastic Fudge and Other Delectable Delights. Giant blocks of fudge sat on dainty porcelain plates lined with frilly doilies. They all went inside and the boys immediately piled up all sorts of candy. The dark wooded shop was filled with tantalizing scents that tickled their noses. As the boys drooled over the sweets, Hermione's thoughts drifted.

"I'm so happy with my relationship with Ron. He's so nice, and I'm glad he hasn't pressured me into having sex. We've been together since the end of 6th year, and so far nothing bad has happened. I don't think I could see my self with anybody else. "

A voice popped into her head and said. "Maybe there's a reason why the relationship is going so well, maybe he's…cheating."

No. Hermione squashed the thought.

But the voice persisted. "He's a man, he has…needs. Just because he hasn't asked you for sex doesn't mean he hasn't asked other girls."

Angry, Hermione questioned the voice. "If he wants sex so badly, then why doesn't he ask me? Isn't sex usually between two people who love each other?"

The voice countered. "Sometimes, but when the want is too great, one might turn to others."

Now seriously doubting her relationship with Ron, she tried to reason with herself. "Ron loves me, he wouldn't cheat. Plus, he isn't exactly the smartest guy, I'd notice if he was cheating."

Again, the voice shot down her thoughts. "You're right he loves you, but when it comes to something he wants a lot, don't you think he'd be able to get it. Where there's a will, there's a way." "Stupid clichés. Oh god, I'm thinking to myself." thought Hermione.

'Hermione, Hermione? Hey, you ok?' said Ron, waving one hand while the other jammed sample pieces of fudge into his mouth.

'What…huh? Oh, sorry. What did you say?' said Hermione, clearly confused. 'Oh, well you kinda looked lost and distant, and I just wanted to make sure you weren't having a seizure.' said Ron, seeming worried.

"See, he cares!" Hermione thought. "I never said he didn't." The voice answered.

'Oh, uh I was just um, thinking.' She stammered.

'When aren't you? So, what were you thinking about?' laughed Ron.

'Um, I was thinking about…' "Come on, think of a good excuse!"

'I was thinking about what kind of fudge my mom likes.' She bit her lip, and hoped Ron would believe her.

'Oh, ok. Well um, how about get her one of these. It changes flavour to suit the consumer's preference.' Ron suggested.

'Oh, I think I'll get one of those!'

'Hey Ron, Hermione, come here!' They turned to their raven-haired friend to see what he had. With a big grin, he held up a huge box. They scampered to get a better look.

'It's the "Sky's the Limit" sampler. It comes complete with Godiva's crème brûlée, smoked salmon, olive tapenade, over twenty sweet selections from Godiva's platinum and holiday assortments including coconut cream and dark chocolate with brandy, Mrs. Fields chocolate graham crackers, sesame crackers, blue cheese twists, salami, English tea, roasted garlic crackers, merlot cheddar cheese spread, caramel walnut cookies, Ghirardelli milk chocolate and milk chocolate with caramel, butter toffee peanuts, Godiva ballotin and signature biscuits, cinnamon roasted cashews, ginger spice cookies, Godiva special roast coffee and milk chocolate hot cocoa, Lindt truffles, Walkers praline leaves, Godiva dark chocolate hazelnut biscotti, vanilla caramels, chocolate cream filled wafers, assorted Walkers chocolate covered nuts, green and black Tazo teas, hazelnut Italian chocolate, almonds, cashews, and pecans in a rich buttery brittle, tiramisu chocolate and items too numerous to list make this one of the season's most magnificent gifts.'

Harry had a very pleased expression on his face as he moaned 'Oh man, that sounds so good.'

Both boys franticly searched for a price tag. '250 Galleons? That's what their asking? Merlin, that's too much!' stuttered Harry.

'Well, somebody'd buy that for somebody they love lots, or to suck up to a teacher.' sniggered Ron, obviously thinking if he bought that for a teacher he'd have grades like Hermione. Hearing Ron say that somebody'd buy the giant chocolate package for someone very dear to them gave Hermione an idea.

She spoke up and said 'Well unless you boys are going to buy that, can we please check out? I really don't want to stand around in this store, seeing that we haven't even bought any of our books or eaten lunch.'

She glanced down at her watch and said. 'It's almost twelve. We've spent two hours in this store and haven't paid for our stuff yet. And I'm getting hungry, we should eat lunch soon.' Ron's face brightened up and he excitedly suggested they try the Italian restaurant, Cerasaro's.

The boys ambled to the check out counter, and dumped their fudge and other artery-clogging treats forward. The portly man, Mr. Fritzy at the counter smiled and totalled up their purchases. Both Ron and Harry and both spent 50 galleons each. Hermione, with much difficulty spent only 20. Mr. Fritzy bagged their purchases and bade them good bye.

Just as they stepped out side of the shop, Hermione feigned surprise and said 'Oh boys, I completely forgot to purchase something for Rita, she'd kill me if she knew I didn't buy her anything. You guys go along. I'll meet you there. Um, order me some sort of ravioli.'

'Oh Hermione we'll wait!' chorused the boys. 'No, I insist. I know how hungry you boys are so just go.' She said while twirling a lock of her golden brown hair, hoping that she could seduce them into compliance. They eagerly nodded and scampered off. While she was talking to the two boys, none of them noticed a platinum blonde, Draco Malfoy boy walk in.

So simple minded, boys are. She chuckled to herself, and entered the store. She went to the counter where Mr. Fritzy was moments before. 'Um excuse me sir, but I was wondering if I could purchase that "Sky's the Limit" Sampler. I can't lift it though, it's too heavy.'

'Why sure honey, but I'd say myself that's quite an expensive purchase, surely it's for somebody you love.' said the friendly store keeper.

'Oh yes, I'm buying it for my boyfriend, the ginger boy I was with just a few moments ago.' mused Hermione.

'Oh yes, now I remember. Sure thing, would you like it gift wrapped?' asked Mr. Fritzy.

'Yes please, and could you have it sent to me. My name's Hermione Granger, and um, could you have it sent to Hogwarts?'

'Yes, of course.'

'Thanks so much.'

The storekeeper went into the back room and came out with the magnificent gift basket. He went back to get the gift wrap. Upon returning, Draco had made his selection for his mother; a fancy basket filled with wine and assorted chocolates. He patiently waited in line and coughed a little. Mr. Fritzy wrapped up the box for Hermione and addressed it.

Draco placed his present on the counter, and a young lady rang up his purchase. She eyed him like this one rotund boy on my bus eyes cake. Trying in vain to get his attention, she almost dropped the package.

She flipped her hair this way and that, batted her long, obviously fake eyelashes at him. She yanked down her tight shirt, trying to reveal cleavage, but only managed to rip a few seams. 'Here's your package sir.' the cashier gushed; hoping to finally get Draco's attention with what she thought was a sexy voice.

'Oh, thanks.' he said monotonously.

Hermione fiddled around with her purse and some whitish-blonde thing moved in the corner of her eye. But as fate would have it, she never looked in that direction. 'Here sir, 250 galleons. Thank you so much.'

'Oh, thank you! I hope your boyfriend enjoys his basket!'

'Ha ha, I'm sure he will.' laughed Hermione.

Draco had been searching his pockets for his wand, he didn't want to carry his gift for mum, and wanted to levitate it. He felt a tap on his shoulder.

'Blaise! Didn't hear you creep up behind me!' They did their little macho man handshake hug thing.

'Damn Draco. You've got Head Boy I heard'

'Well, this calls for a celebration. Lets go to that new sushi place.'

'Sounds good, my mum wanted to try that out yesterday when we were out, but she didn't feel too good.'

'Hey Drake, have you seen Granger recently?' Blaise asked

'No, why?' Draco responded, clearly confused as to why Blaise would bring her up.

They started walking down the street.

'Oh no reason.'

Draco squinted at Blaise, thinking something was up, but did not question the matter.

They walked down the cobblestone street while talking about little things.

The end of another chapter! You know what to do…REVIEW. If you review, I'll update faster, and my story will be better. I should make up a little song and dance about reviewing…that's another day of course!

Things I think are worthy of noting on:

1. That chocolate sampler, that's real. It's really big and it is $250. Go to www. it'll probably be there. (I'm poor, if I had that much money, I'd probably save it, or um buy some pants.)