The Muggle World

Chapter Two:

Wear This Tomrrow

"What are you doing here?" Hermione snapped.

Draco glared back for a moment, a scowl plastered on his face. Then, out of nowhere, he stopped and smirked, that famous, disgusting smirk that only a Malfoy could muster. "Why, Hermione," he said sweetly, almost lovingly which sent a shiver down her spin—and what was up with the use of her first name? "God, I wasn't expecting to see you. Do you live around here or something?" Hermione only blinked, surprised on the sudden kindness. What was he up to now? This didn't look good. When she didn't answer him, only gave the death glare, Draco continued on like they were old friends. "Yeah, I know, weird to meet up like this, huh?" He chuckled, set down the shirt, and walked over to the four girls. "Well, don't be rude, girl! Tell me who your friends are."

Still in shock and unsure about what was going on, Hermione pointed to each of the teenagers who where absolutely gushing over the hansom boy in front of them. He greeted the all with another smirk and then turned back to Hermione. "Clean up nicely, don't ya, Granger? Nice to see you in some average cloths—and you hair! Whoa! This is a definite first for the know-it-all Hermione Granger."

"Nice to see that you've gotten out of those robes also, Malfoy," she mocked back at him, hiding her venom equally as well. Emily's, Brook's, and Cecil's eyes seemed glued on Draco, gawking over his handsome form. Hermione felt like puking right there. 'They wouldn't be like that if they knew the true him. Poor girls—falling for his charms just like all the other fools.' She inwardly sighed heavily.

"So…" Cecil said flirtatiously, glancing over at Hermione eagerly. "You guys go to the same private school or something?" Draco raised an eyebrow at the witch next to him, obviously amused by her lie on where she went to school. He opened his mouth, but was cut off by Hermione's quick thinking.

"Yeah, we do. He's quite popular there, you know. And not only in good terms…" She smirked innocently at him and the Slytherin howled with laughter. At least she had a sense of humor; wasn't expecting that from the mudblood.

"You aren't to low on the scale, either, Granger," Draco retorted, "hanging out with Potter and all. Not many people get to befriend a hero."

The three girls squealed surprisingly. "What does he mean, Herm!" Emily asked excitedly. "You never told us anything about hanging out with some hero. What's this all about?"

Hermione gave a swift, tiring glance at Draco then faced back to the jittery group. She was sick of lying to them every time part of her school life came up in their discussions. This was the first time Harry had been mention, though—she'd been extra careful not to speak of her friends; not that she didn't like talking about them, just that she didn't want to go into detail…like Harry fighting against Voltomor and Ron living in the Burrow. It wasn't safe bringing those types of things up in the Muggle dwellings. Taking a deep breath, Hermione explained, "One of my best friends in America"—that's where the private school was—"is counted a hero among us 'cause he's done some pretty…urm… 'heroic' things in the past." Even to her ears it sounded lame. But whatever, it worked and that's all that mattered. "I don't really feel like getting into details at the moment…" The girls still starred anxiously at her, their eyes drilling into hers with an unspoken question. "Wh—what?" she stampered. Then, just when it struck her, she jerked her finger at the blonde headed boy. "Oh, this is Malfoy by the way." Her cheeks reddened at her stupidity.

Draco glared at her. "Damn, Herm, no need for last names around friends," he said, using her nickname easily and… Did he just say that they were friends? No way! It was the total opposite! He turned his attention back to the three. "You all can call me Draco. Malfoy's the last name, but no need to be formal or anything, right?" He flashed them his famous smirk that melted every girl's heart—except Hermione's, that is. "So…what are you all up to?" His voice was casual, as though he were hanging with long lost relatives.

Before anyone could gabber on their shopping spree, Hermione answered matter-of-factly with a tint of cold hidden beneath: "Actually, we were just going, right? Let's jet. It was nice seeing you, Draco. Maybe we'll see you around. Good-bye, then."

She was turning around when a strong, cool and smooth hand firmly grabbed her elbow. Spinning around, she met Draco's grinning face. "What?" she asked distractedly. Why didn't he get that she just didn't want him around! But she couldn't smack his hand away; her friends were watching and the last thing she wanted was for them to thing she was some anti-guy chick. She had to admit, Draco was a handsome young man. Any girl would be a fool to hate such a gorgeous face without a good reason. And buddy, it wasn't like she could go explaining to them that this man in front of them a Death Eater and used magic. That wouldn't go so well.

Again with his famous trademark smirk. "What yourself. Anyways, do you really plan on walking out with the hat without paying?" He chuckled quietly at her second blush, brighter than the first. "And may I add that it's quite…quite you." This time both of them smiled at each other, laughing silently at the inside joke only they understood. Hermione couldn't help her lips curling—that was a good one, she had to admit.

Being the chatterbox she is, Brook broke out in despair, "But Herm! We aren't done yet! There are some pretty cute jeans over there and Cecil and me were modeling. Besides, all the other girls are still wondering about, I bet…we can't just leave them here. We have ta stay till they're done as well."

The Gryffindor groaned softly and could feel Draco grinning by her side. Why did he have to be such an ass? "All right then," Hermione mumbled. "Wanna join in with them, Em? Try on that new shirt and skirt; see how it fits. I'll find something as well, I guess." Agreeing excitedly, the four girls rushed off to make a "fashion show". But before Hermione got out of his grasp, Draco grabbed her wrist and was forced to look back at him once more. She gave him another distracted, questioning look. "Yeah?"

Giving an irresistible pout, Draco said, "Leaving me out of the fun so soon? Gees, Granger, show some respect! Don't go leaving your own blood hanging."

She yanked her arm back and gave him another glare; the girls weren't around. "What's with you, retard?" she hissed venomously. "What's with the kindness act? What are you planning exactly to do to ruin my summer?" He looked genuinely surprised and Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't play stupid with me, Malfoy! Just leave me alone, all right? Torment me back at Hogwarts, where I'll be able to fight back—just not here!" With that, she turned swiftly on her heels and started to storm off again—only for the hand to grab her elbow again.

"Don't tell me what to do, Mudblood!" Draco snarled. "I'll do whatever I want, whenever I want. Understand? It's not like you're my first choice to be with, you know. But even being with a half-breed is better than all these filthy Muggles. Okay? I am not here looking for trouble or friendship, only magic company and nothing else. Nothing else," he repeated, running out of breath at last. Taking another deep one, Draco continued again. "I bet you're the same; being around all these non-magic-users is quite tiring. I know we're mortal enemies—but still, I can't stand it! Just let us hang out some, okay? NOT to start up any friendship or settlement or anything, only for the company. When we get back to school, none of this ever happened, understand? Understand?" Dumbstruck, Hermione blinked at him. He was feeling the same was as she was? But he had so many followers…wait, they were in the Muggle world—there wouldn't be a whole flock of them just roaming around; so why was Draco Malfoy here? Not trusting her voice, she just nodded, still unsure about the whole ordeal. He smirked and let finally let go. Hermione rubbed her slightly bruised wrist. "Okay then, cool… Now, aren't you suppose to be putting on a show for me?"

Her mouth gapped open. "What! Not for you, no!"

"Hey, hey! I was just kidding, sheesh!" He gave a gruff laugh and added, "The last thing I suspected was to see you around—and dressing like this! I'm still having trouble digesting the news." Hermione's deepening blush didn't help cease Draco's laughter. "All right then, so…" Suddenly he became nervous. The Draco Malfoy—nervous! Ha! "You don't mind if I hang out and watch your little show, right?" She blinked again. Now he was asking? Something wasn't right there. But she shrugged, hating to say no when her friends already loved him so much.

"Fine. I'm gonna go find something to try on. We'll meet you at the dressing room. I guess you could give us tips or something…" Hermione mumbled and started back off towards the cloths racks. 'This so isn't right,' she kept thinking. 'This so isn't.' Yet she couldn't help but be happy. Why? Come on! This was her archenemy for crying out loud!

She began shuffling through the dresses, looking for something that would look nice, but wouldn't bring attention to herself incase Draco decided to make fun of her for her "new taste of clothing". Not to her surprise, nothing fit her description. But there was this one that she thought would look quite good on her… Hermione took it down and held it up for closer examination. The material was thin and a dark red that would make her hair stick out nicely. It was spaghetti strapped and a V-collar that exposed her next and a good amount of skin below. The skirt part would end up going down her thighs and stop a little after her knees. Smiling, Hermione pressed it against herself and looked down. She thought, 'I'll just try it on; besides, all the others are pretty ugly, honestly. And I highly doubt Malfoy will make fun of me.' Deciding to try it on, she went over to the dressing rooms.

Draco sat on a bench, leaning his chin on his elbow. He was waiting for the girls to come out and show off to him like they always did. 'Flirts,' he thought with a small smirk forming at the corners of his lips. 'It's all way the same—no wonder I stopped coming along with those Slytherin girls.' But he knew the only reason he was there was to see Hermione. Not that he liked her or anything; she was just the only magic user around is all. Nothing more. He kept telling himself this. Hearing someone clear her throat, Draco shot up and looked over at Hermione who nodded at him. A red bunch of cloth was thrown over one of her arms and she started to enter a dressing room.

One after one, the girls came out of their dressing rooms to model for Draco, giggling flirtatiously and asking for his guy's point of view. He told them what he thought—some times it was nice and others he told things that could be improved. On a regular basis, Draco would have been totally honest and told them that it was actually looked repulsing on them, but he didn't want to be rude to Hermione's friends and hurt their feelings; then there'd be no way the Gryffindor would hang out with him at all. The last to come out, taking two-times longer than it did for the others, Hermione poked her head out of the dressing room, making sure not to show anything else. Everyone, the girls back in their normal clothes and Draco, starred at her impatiently.

"Get your butt out here, Herm!" Emily cried. "Show us how sexy ya look! Yeah!" Draco smirked while the others laughed loudly and coaxed her out. Finally giving up, Hermione sighed and opened the door wider and stepped out fully. She looked gorgeous: with her hair cast down her back now and a simple, light dark red dress hugging her form perfectly, making it stick out much more than Draco vaguely remembered. She gave a small twirl, dress and hair flying as well. While the girls gave catcalls and praise, Draco just sat back, taking her in. This wasn't the same girl he knew from Hogwarts—it couldn't be! The girl in front of him now was beautiful and lit up with life; and the girl at school was always covered in books and wearing robes to hide under. They just couldn't be the same girl!

Hermione caught his eye and they both starred at each other, waiting for the other to speak first. Finally Draco breathed, "You look great." It was enough to make color rise to her cheeks and look away, murmuring under her voice.

"So, Herm, you gonna buy it or what?" asked Brook eagerly still admiring the dress on her friend. "You better—that's the best you've found yet!" They all agreed excitedly.

"Well, I dunno…" She picked up the price tag hanging on the waist of the dress and her eyes went wide. "Whoa!" Hermione exclaimed. "No way!" The girls whined and

asked the price. "Eighty dollars," she answered.

"Damn." Emily barely cursed and this was a surprise. "But it's so perfect on you, Herm! It's like I was made especially for you!" She put on a puppy-pout and Hermione only shrugged helplessly, motioning that she didn't have enough money.

Standing up, Draco walked over to her and checked the price tag himself, leaning over so his check brushed against her skin; he felt her shiver at the contact and almost grinned before he caught his action. It indeed said eighty dollars. 'Damn's right,' he thought sarcastically, wanting the Gryffindor to have it just as much as the others—not that he liked her, just because they were right: the slinky dress seemed to have been made just for her. Clearing his throat, Draco said, "I'll pay." All eyes turned towards him, mouths gapped open. "I have the money; my father's a rich man, making me rich as his son." He flashed Hermione a secret grin. "Take it off and I'll purchase it with the other things I'm getting as well, okay? I will be waiting by the cash register." And then he turned around and went on his way, picking up the clothing he was going to buy as well.

Hermione blushed as the three girls watched the Slytherin retreat and then turn back to her, their eyes big and envious. "What?" she said defendingly. "Well, I'm going to change out of this. You guys go and gather up the others; I guess we're leaving then. Meetcha back at the front!" Then she rushed into the dressing room again before they could say a word; she was still trying to figure out why Draco was acting so kind and she really didn't want their "Oh, my God, he is so crushing on you!" comments. That's just silly. Draco Malfoy, a pureblood, crushing on Hermione Granger, a mudblood? Ha! That would be the day. But…still, she wondered about the sudden kindness. Was he really that desperate for magical company?

Quickly changing out of the dress, the Gryffindor placed it back on its hanger and shoved on her own close again. Then she exited the room and speed walked towards the registers. Draco was chatting to one of the cashiers, a boy around their own age. Hermione walked over to them and handed Draco the dress, giving him a thankful smile as well. He nodded and placed it with the other things—snatching the visor from her head and placing it among them as well, even when Hermione began to protest.

While they waited side by side, Hermione couldn't help but feel the man bagging their purchases starring at her. Obviously Draco to, because she could feel his scowl and him moving closer to her, as though he owned her as well. This made Hermione blush and stare down at her toes like they were the most interesting things in the world. Once he was done bagging and told Draco the price, he pulled a thick wallet from his back pocket and flipped through a wad of cash. He pulled out five hundreds and shoved it at the cashier, mumbling, "Keep the change," and grabbed Hermione's elbow, dragging her away from the man, towards the doors where they waited for the group of girls to reform.

When the others met up with them—Brook, Emily, Cecil and two more girls who gawked over Draco like he were a god—they exited the store, back out to the crowded shopping street. Looking at a silver watch on his writs, Draco looked at the time. He groaned and ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Damn it, it's already 4:00. I'm suppose to meet up with my mom for…" He glanced at Hermione and stopped mid sentence. "Well, I just promised my mom I'd be there by now." Sighs of disappointment went around the girls. Draco pulled out the visor from the bag, put it on Hermione's head and then took out her dress that he'd asked to be bagged separately. But before he handed it to her, he smirked and said, "Wear this tomorrow—it's not like I bought it just for you to hang it up in your closet to be forgotten. Come back here around two again also tomorrow, okay? Well, I'll see ya then." Draco shoved the bag and business card into her hand. Then, with a gruff nod, he turned around and became lost in the sea of people moving this way and that.

Author's Note: Hey everybody! What's up? Well, here's chapter two fer y'all. What do you think? Review, peoples! Review! Lol jk jk. Anyways, I'm gonna quite this note and start on chapter three now

For All My Reviewers: Thank you fer all th' reviews! Muah! Y'all are too sweet! lol -hands out Feelin' Witchy hats- Quite a few of ya said you wanted one lol. But really, thanks fer the reviews they keep me going! Besides, I have a pretty nice idea on where this all is going and all so it will be easy fer me ta write.

Just a poem that isn't all the way done:

Come on, Baby, you know I'm right.

My love is yours, so hold on tight.

You're loosing your grip,

Slipping away from me.

Please, Baby, don't let this be.

You say I'm a liar, that I'm a foe.

Well, Baby, I guess you don't know

You're fooling yourself,

My love is completely true

And once upon a time, yours was too.

If you let go now, you'll really be gone.

So tell me, Baby, how to live on.

Just hold on a little longer,

And let me explain.

Then maybe you'll see my ownpain.

My heart is making a command

That you just have to understand.

Don't you remember your promise?

The promise where you swore your eternal love

On that onesmall star way, way up above?

How could I forget, Baby,

When you held no "maybe".

But now you say that's a lie?

Oh, come on, I know that's not you.

You're the one who's lying, because I love you too!

Okay, back to writing chapter three! Oh, and sorry that this chapter took so long to get put on had some things in reality to do lol.

With All My Hate And Love

Peasant