Chapter Three: Shopping
Draco and Hermione were walking down the path that leads to Hogsmeade. The winter wind blew against Hermione's nose making it turn a bright red color and blew her hair all over the place. It was when the wind blew harder and colder against Hermione that she finally put on the black jacket that was on her arm. Instantly, it felt like she had been placed under several heating charms at once. She wrapped the jacket around her tighter and took in a deep breath. The scent that invaded her senses made a pause for a few seconds. The scent was a mix of almonds and oranges that surprisingly went together well and masculine scent that she had smelt once before but couldn't quite place it. They had finally reached Hogsmeade when Hermione heard Harry and Ginny laughing. She quickly grabbed Draco's arm and pulled him to the side of the building they were by.
Draco - What are you...?
His words got cut off by Hermione placing her hand on his mouth and peaking around the corner.
Hermione - Shhh! I heard Harry and Ginny.
In the middle of Hogsmeade, Harry and Ginny were wrapped in each other's arm while starring at Ron and some short brown-haired girl.
Harry - I just don't get your brother.
Ginny - I don't either and I've known him longer. *sighs* anyways, where do you think Hermione is?
Harry - I don't know. She did have a meeting with McGonagall.
Ginny - I know but I wanted to do dress shopping with her. You boys won't know anything about dress.
Harry - However true that may be, I still resent it.
Ginny - *smiles* of course you do.
Hermione turned back to Draco and moved her hand. She glanced around the corner again before sighing and looking at the ground.
Draco - You want to go shopping with her don't you?
Hermione - Of course I do but...
Draco - You can go with her.
Hermione - But I don't want you go be all by yourself.
Draco - I won't be. Blaise is probably in The Three Broomsticks right now waiting for me. I did tell him I was coming.
Hermione - But I thought you were going to pay for my dress?
Draco - I still am, here.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small bag filled to the brim with coins.
Draco - This is at least 200 galleons in here.
Hermione - 200?
Draco - Yes. You can also pay for your ginger friends dress if she doesn't have enough.
Hermione - Oh Draco, I couldn't possibly take this. It's too much.
Draco - It's fine Hermione. Like I told you before, too much money than I can handle at times. I want you to take it.
Hermione - *bites her lip* I...ok fine. I'll take it but I will pay you back.
Draco - You don't have too. I promise it'll be fine.
Hermione - Draco...
Draco - It's fine Hermione. Now go before they leave.
Hermione - I...thank you so much.
She places the bag in her jacket before leaning forward and hugging him tightly. She feels him tense up slightly before relaxing and wrapping his arms around her.
Draco - You're welcome. It's the least I could do.
Hermione - Thank you again.
She pulls back and turns around to leave. At the last second, she twirls around and presses a sweet but quick kiss to Draco's lips. She leaves as he stands there shocked. Hermione giggles to herself softly before squealing as someone runs up to her and hugs her.
Ginny - Hermione! Where were you?
Hermione - Hello to you too Ginny.
Ginny - Sorry. Hello Hermione. Now, where were you?
Hermione - I just got here. The meeting took a little longer than expected.
Ginny - What was it about?
Hermione - Oh! Uhhh...you know Head stuff. Like patrols and partners.
Ginny - Uh huh. Well come on.
Hermione - Where are we going?
Ginny - This new store that just opened like last month. It has the cutest dresses ever and we have to go there first.
Hermione - What about Harry?
Ginny - He's going with Ronald and his little date.
Hermione - Ok. Well let's go.
They start walking to the far end of Hogsmeade.
Ginny - Speaking of dates, who are you going with?
Hermione - I have to go with Malfoy because we're opening with the first dance.
Ginny - Oh, well at least you have a handsome date.
Hermione - Ginny!
Ginny - What? Oh come on, even you can admit he's handsome.
Hermione - But he's been mean to us forever.
Ginny - Aren't you the one always preaching about forgive and forget the past so we can move on too the future?
Hermione - Well yes but...
Ginny - Admit it. He's handsome and you won't mind having him as a date.
Hermione - *sighs* fine. You're right. He's very handsome and I'm glad he's my date.
Ginny - *smiles* right indeed.
They come up to a store called "Sparkling Desires." As they walk in, a young woman with a kind smile, gorgeous, wavy blonde hair with brown streaks tumbling down her shoulders to her back, and bright blue eyes walks up to them. Her name tag said Kaelen.
Kaelen - Hello. My name is Kaelen Malfoy. Can I be of any assistance?
Ginny - Malfoy? Are you Draco Malfoy's sister?
Kaelen - Sister-in-Law. I'm married to his older brother Dakota. What are your names?
Ginny - I'm Ginny Weasley and this is Hermione Granger.
Kaelen - Oh yes. Draco told me about you both several times.
Ginny - Anything bad?
Kaelen - Of course not. Draco told me you too were the bravest and prettiest girls in school. His descriptions did you no justice. You are more beautiful than he said.
Ginny - H-he said we were beautiful?
Kaelen - Oh yes. I know over the past years Draco has been a bit harsher than he should be but deep down he the sweetest boy you'll ever know. He always puts you first no matter how much you complain and he loves to buy gifts for those who don't annoy him that much.
Ginny unconsciously touches the black and green bird necklace around her neck. Kaelen sees her movement and smiles showing her straight, white teeth.
Kaelen - Oh yes. I remember when Draco bought that necklace.
Ginny - *gasps* he bought this?
Kaelen - Yes. He said it was for someone who he admires for her bravery and strength even when the one she loves is far away.
Ginny - I did get this when you, Harry and Ronald were on the run. I just figured Harry bought it. Wait, does that mean, he likes me?
Kaelen - Yes but not in the way you're thinking. If you were to forgive him for everything he every said, he you treat you like a little sister.
Hermione - Has he ever bought something for someone he likes more than a sister?
Kaelen - Oh yes. He described her as the golden light in his eternal darkness. He actually bought her several things, two necklaces, about three rings and a bracelet.
Hermione looks down and bites her lip thinking hard. She shakes her head looking back up.
Kaelen - Enough personal stuff. I suppose you guys are looking for dresses for the Christmas Ball?
Ginny - Yes. I kind of wanted something with a cream color in it or beige.
Kaelen - There are several cream dresses over to your right.
Ginny - Thank you.
She walks over to the dresses and starts looking over them. Kaelen smiles at Hermione before motioning her over to the left side of the store with silver and goldish/brown dresses.
Kaelen - Now, do the Head Boy and Girl still have to dance together at the beginning of the dance?
Hermione - Yes. I wanted something to make me stand out and be beautiful for one night.
Kaelen - I have some dresses for you. Wait right here.
Kaelen disappears around a tall rack over dresses and comes back with five dresses in her arms.
Kaelen - Here are some dresses I think you'll look gorgeous in. The dressing rooms is over there by Ginny.
Hermione takes the dresses and walks over to dressing rooms. Hermione goes in a stall while Ginny goes in the other also with five dresses in her arms. Ginny comes out first wearing a long cream colored dress. It has a one shoulder strap with roses on it. The dress clung to Ginny in all the wrong places and made it hard for her to be comfortable. Hermione comes out wearing a long white strapless dress. It has a black bow tied under the bust and flowed around her.
Ginny - That's cute Hermione.
Hermione - Maybe as a summer dress but not a dance.
They both walk back in the dressing rooms. The other dresses they tried on were either uncomfortable to be in and not enough. Ginny finally came out in a short black and cream strapless dress. The top was cream colored with black spots over it. It had a big cream bow under the bust tied in the front. The bottom was black, stopped at her knees and flowed around her legs. Her dyed black and blonde hair complimented the dress in a way her red hair wouldn't have.
Ginny - This is it. This is the dress I want. It's so beautiful.
Kaelen - You look absolutely amazing Ginny. Hermione, come on out.
Hermione shyly walks out the dressing room and both Ginny and Kaelen go speechless. The dress was also strapless but a gold and brown color that looked like it was mixed with beige. On the right side of the dress was a rose. The rose was on her right breast and the leaves spiraled out down the side front and back of the dress. The bottom stopped at her knees and was a darker color than the top.
Hermione - It's bad isn't it?
Ginny - No god. Hermione you look beautiful.
Kaelen - You have to get this dress. If you don't, I will never allow you back in this store again. It's amazing.
Hermione - You really think so?
Kaelen Ginny - Of course!
Hermione - Then I'll get it.
Kaelen - Excellent. Now y'all just need shoes and accessories.
Ginny and Hermione change back into their clothes and pick out their shoes and accessories. They are now at the counter ringing up their items.
Kaelen - Ginny, yours comes up to 40 galleons and 15 sickles and Hermione, yours is 50 galleons, 10 sickles and 4 knuts.
Ginny - *groans* I don't have that much money. Hermione, I need this dress. What am I going to do?
Hermione - *bites her bottom lip* I can pay for it.
Ginny - How?
Hermione - I...someone give me some money.
She pulls out the bag and places it on the counter.
Ginny - Hermione, how much is in there?
Hermione - Ummm...200 galleons.
Ginny - 200! Who gave you 200 galleons?
Kaelen - Draco did.
Hermione - How do you figure?
Kaelen - The bag has his initials on it.
She turns to the bag around to display "DAM" in gold cursive.
Ginny - Draco Malfoy give you money? Why?
Hermione - He said he wanted to pay for whatever I got.
Ginny - But why? Since when are you Malfoy friends?
Hermione - *sighs* I'll tell you later.
Ginny - Hermione...
Hermione - Ginny please. This is a conversation that needs to be held in private.
Ginny - Fine. Tell me before dinner.
Hermione - I will. Now, let's pay and find Harry and Ron.
She takes out 150 galleons and passes them to Kaelen.
Hermione - Keep the rest as a tip. For helping us find such amazing dresses.
Kaelen - It's easy when I have such beautiful girls to fill out the dresses.
Ginny - Thank you again Kaelen.
Kaelen - You're welcome. Have a nice day.
Hermione and Ginny walk out the store with three bags each. As they get outside, they shrink their bags and place them in their pockets.
Ginny - Now, let's go to Three Broomsticks.
Hermione and Ginny walked into The Three Broomsticks and both let a sigh. The warm air caressed their cold faces and fingers and the mouthwatering aroma filled their noses and their stomach rumble lightly. Ginny glanced around and spotted the tale-sign messy black hair of Harry. She grabbed Hermione's arm and dragged her toward the back of the restaurant. Hermione awkwardly stood by the table as Ginny and Harry kissed.
Harry - Hermione! Hello.
Hermione - *smiles* hello Harry.
She wraps her arms around Harry's neck but pulls back as soon as she hears a familiar voice.
Girl - Hermione!