A/N: Hey there, long time no write. I actually had the time to look at the previous chapters and the amount of mistakes and inconsistencies was somewhat discouraging so I dragged my feet for some time. I'm open to suggestions for improvements. I'll probably take my time in editing once everything is said and done. By the way there is this lovely, [a little bit] smutty story by Flaming moth of doom called Nothing like the sun - I encourage you to read it since there is plenty of Shakespeare quotes - both from Sonnets and The taming of the Shrew. I own nothing.
It's unbearably hot, where I am right now, so cheer yourself up: Mark Lanegan & Isobel Campbell - Come undone. Puts you in a mood. ;)
Ginny had a hard time trying not to laugh at her best friend's twitchy behaviour. She stifled the giggle that threatened to burst out of her and asked innocently:
"Are you okay, Hermione? You seem a little fidgety – were you expecting someone to join us?"
It was the first Saturday that they were permitted to go to Hogsmeade, considering the Samhain ball was mere ten days away. It was decided that the sixth and seventh years - who were already of age and had their apparition license, what with Lord Voldemort delaying their education and all – could go to Diagon Alley to buy a dressing gown if they so chose. They were having a costume ball, after all.
The girls had already decided that they would go to "Twilfit and Tatting" because it was one of the better shops for clothes in Diagon Alley.
Hermione thought for a second and concluded that maybe it was for the best to just ignore the sly smile of her ginger friend, unless she wanted to have a very uncomfortable conversation. She had a hunch that Ginny already knew much more about Malfoy's strange behaviour than she let on; of course, it could be just her paranoia talking since the two of them were currently the butt of the joke for the whole school. Not three days ago some Muggle-born girl two years below her even had the audacity to compare them to modern day Romeo and Juliet and gush about it too, as if it was really romantic. Hermione almost emptied the contents of her stomach when she heard that.
But more disconcerting than other people's reactions was the fact that some solitary butterfly – apparently led astray – had made said stomach its current residence and stubbornly refused to go away. Hermione, being the exceedingly logical person that she was, convinced herself that it was a normal female reaction – every girl loved to bask in attention. She was a girl. So it followed naturally, that maybe she wasn't so immune to the advances of hormonal boys, after all. Right. Right? She conveniently forgot that talking to Terry Boot, Ernie McMillan and any other number of nice, if a bit boring Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff boys did nothing to stir that stubborn, stupid butterfly awake. Perhaps it was just some glitch best left unmentioned.
Before she had time to settle on the most vague, useless answer, Ginny grabbed her hand and nudged her to side-apparate them both to the Leaky cauldron. The bar seemed as if it might actually burst at its seams. The room was currently much lighter and cleaner than Hermione had ever seen it before. She eyed curiously the elderly wizards and witches who led quiet conversations in the corner tables. There were also much younger people, apparently families, taking out their progeny for a relaxing stroll in the beautiful autumn morning.
"To answer your question, Ginevra, I am expecting someone. I wrote to Harry that we're going to Diagon Alley and he promised to meet us there. From what I gathered of his response, he'll probably bring Ron too."
Ginny groaned, while doing rushed mental calculations. She had told Blaise their plans for the day and he had promised to drag Draco along. This way they had the perfect chance to spend some time together, without attracting unwarranted attention, and they also got to laugh at Hermione's obliviousness and her unexpected suitor's antics. So far, not so good. Having Harry and Ron in the close vicinity just spelled out trouble. Malfoy could not be trusted not to be rude to them and it would make Hermione even more defensive.
The red-haired girl was also a bit anxious that Harry - who was very perceptive and only sometimes slightly paranoid - might become suspicious that they were walking around Diagon Alley in the company of two formerly quite haughty Slytherins. Never mind the fact that though they were no longer in relationship the two of them sort of clicked and Harry always knew what kind of mood she was in. She couldn't risk drawing his attention to Blaise, at least not yet.
She sighed internally as they were making their way to the back - no use crying over spilt potion now. Perhaps she could manage it somehow. Hermione tapped her wand on the designated brick and the familiar portal appeared.
"Where do you want to go first? I suggest we leave the visit of the clothes shop and the fitting for the end of the day. I promised Harry to go together George's shop. Said he would meet us there"
Ginny tried to cast a subtle glance at her watch. It was precisely the time that Blaise said he would loiter a bit around Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. "I can't believe you, Hermione. You're a traitor!" She pointed a dramatic finger at her best friend and watched with amusement as her eyes widened. "Whatever happened to being faithful to yourself? Preferring the joke shop to Flourish and Blotts, are you sure you're not Polyjuiced?"
Just as quickly as Hermione's eyes had widened, they now narrowed. "Very funny, miss Weasley. Have you considered a career with your brother?"
Ginny snickered. "Can you imagine the Bat-Bogey hex implemented into a product?"
Hermione shuddered at the implications and then sighed. "Well, to be honest I do want to go to Flourish and Blotts, but you know – boys will be boys and I can't expect them and you to willingly browse books for half an hour or – God forbid - more. I thought that Ron and Harry could keep you company at Twilfit and Tatting while I skipped of to the bookstore for a bit."
Her friend laughed heartily at that. "There's the Hermione I know and love. I could be persuaded. But if you want to force me to spend so much time in a clothes store with those two, I get to choose a costume for you."
They were now walking past the bookstore which Hermione eyed longingly. "Hey, how is that fair?"
"Hello, you've met them, haven't you?" mocked Ginny. "They don't care much for gowns and balls, especially Ronald."
Trying to ignore the dark look in her friend's amber eyes Ginny did her best to distract her until they reached Diagon Alley 93 where they were met with a priceless view. Harry and Ron were standing next to the door, while Blaise was trying to hold a polite conversation with varying success. Malfoy was standing next to him and carefully avoiding eye contact with both boys, looking exceedingly uncomfortable with his hands in his pockets. Hermione groaned loudly and for a moment seemed frantic enough to run away. Ginny tried to smother a laugh but Blaise seemed to notice her mirth anyway.
"Weaslette, Granger, what a surprise." He cast a sly glance at Hermione and offered good-naturedly. "Granger, you're not at Flourish and Blotts - didn't peg you as one to enjoy fun."
Ginny already knew enough about the teasing manner he adopted in favor of his previous pompousness so she didn't pay him attention – instead her eyes fell on her brother who had tensed slightly at the comment and then on Malfoy who seemed intent on not missing even so much as a blink from either Ron or Hermione. "Oh, goodness" she thought to herself, "he seems to be the jealous type."
Blaise continued beside them nonchalantly. "I was just offering Potter here a thanks and an apology, Granger. Personally I prefer it when my life doesn't depend on a sick sociopath's whims. Don't get me wrong, not that I don't think magical heritage is not an advantage" Ginny and Hermione simultaneously harrumphed at this comment "but you've proven enough that in the end ability is what counts. Right, Draco, my boy?"
The look Draco threw him was murderous. "Yes, Blaise. I should know."
Ron tensed even more. "What do you mean, Malfoy? And if you insult her…"
"What I mean, Weasley" he carefully drawled, "is that unlike you and Potter, I've tried competing against Granger. Obviously it didn't do me a world of good."
Before Ron had a chance to add anything, he added "The war is over, Weasley, given its outcome I should think I have nothing to prove – at least not the way I tried before. And I have no desire to fight with you two."
Ginny almost gasped, trying to contain her bewilderment. Guess Blaise wasn't joking when he was saying that Malfoy had matured. War had a funny way of doing that. Beside her Hermione was staring disbelievingly – was this really the same idiot that humiliated her in the halls on a daily basis? And had he actually just acknowledged her intellect?
"Well, thanks, Zabini" interjected Harry, dissolving the awkward mood. "Malfoy, this is as good as it's going to get, eh?" With that and a small knowing grin, he offered his hand.
Draco looked like he was torn between laughing in his face and taking the proffered hand. In the end he conceded. "I guess it is, Potter. You already heard my apologies and I don't plan on repeating them if it's all the same to you. Bad for the reputation, you know."
Blaise couldn't help but laugh at that. He had heard from Draco himself that he had thanked the chosen one after the trial of his mother and he knew how hard it must have been for Draco. Probably because he hadn't done so in his entire previous life. One could only speculate whether he actually had it in himself to apologize to Granger too. Weasley was of course of the question.
Spotting the look on her brother's face Ginny thought it a wise moment to break the awkward dynamic.
"So, Zabini, Malfoy" she tried to emulate a smug little grin of her own "care to check if my brother is in a benevolent enough mood to sell you some Wilful Witch's charms? Apparently, it helps boys in dealing with the unpleasant consequences of PMS. That's what George thinks anyway."
Blaise smiled evilly. "Really, Weaslette? I might buy a dozen or two. I have just the bloke in mind that could benefit from them greatly."
With that they entered the shop and were instantly overwhelmed by the buzz and colours around them. George Weasley nearly deserved an Order of Merlin for cheering Witches and Wizards from all ages – even though he had lost his own brother. Just then the pretty witch who worked at the shop from the very beginning greeted them and proceeded to direct them further inside the shop. Ginny couldn't help but notice that her brother manoeuvred his way so that he and Hermione could stand a little aside from the others, right next to the bookshelf that contained such prominent volumes as "Winging your O. W. L. s: The wizard's guide to cheating" and "Interpreting daydreams: The psychoanalysis of desire" (the last was sold with a discount should the buyer stock himself with at least 6 boxes of the newly refined Daydream Patented charms). Not one to care much for privacy – she was after all Fred and George's favourite sister and accomplice – Ginny grabbed an Extendable ear from a nearby shelf and stood a few meters away from them so that she could listen in unnoticed.
"So, Hermione" stammered Ron, obviously clueless as to how he should act "I wanted to give you your birthday present. I didn't really want to send with the owls."
"Thank you, Ron." Sighed Hermione. Ginny could tell she was nearing complete exasperation and couldn't help but be angry on behalf of her best female friend. One could write a book about all the ways in which Ron Weasley was not fit for a relationship. "If you think that it would make me feel more special though, you're in for a surprise. Actually sending me even a simple message on the day would have made feel a lot more appreciated, instead of completely forgotten."
"I suppose so. But I didn't know whether you'd want to receive anything from me… You know, not seeing you and… "
"Ronald, stop making a fool out of yourself." Muttered Hermione. Ginny was completely baffled how her ever temperamental friend just didn't have it in her to be angry with her bumbling fool of a brother anymore. It was sad, really. "Things couldn't get anymore awkward than as it is. So just, please let it go."
"I don't want to lose you, Hermione" Ron blurted out without any preface. "I mean… You're my friend and I miss you so very much. I just don't know how to make it better."
"Of course you don't, Ron." The bitterness in her voice was palpable. "That would be my job, wouldn't it? Thank you for the present – it's a lovely choice."
With that she turned and headed towards Harry and Blaise in the other side of the shop. Ron sighed one last time and followed her. Ginny would have followed too, if she weren't met with a sudden glimpse of a pair of silver eyes right next to the shelf with the ridiculous books. Draco Malfoy scoffed at her apologetic face and proceeded towards the door, without even calling for Blaise.
A couple of hours later Hermione sighed contentedly when she finally managed to go at Flourish & Blotts. They spent an hour with George throwing around harmless remarks about inter-house unity, snakes and slipperiness (with the last topic eliciting deeply inappropriate smirks from Zabini and George and a fierce blush from Harry). Malfoy had somehow managed to "slither out" (that comment provoked even more laughter), without the others noticing him. She was surprised to find out that Zabini was not all pompous and boring, like the way he behaved at the Slug-club's meetings in their sixth year. He was easy enough to talk to and absolutely refused to engage in any serious conversation whatsoever. When she remarked this casually, he grinned at her devilishly.
"Well, Granger, what can I say, it's a brave, new world. Not only Gryffindors want to have fun." When he noticed Ron's reddening ears, he added lightly with just enough self-deprecation. "Of course, being the notorious cowards that we are, we Slytherins tend to find it a lot easier now that there isn't any imminent danger hanging over our heads." With that he nodded once more graciously at Harry.
"Take Nott and Malfoy, for example – they look like they've been on a vacation in Wonderland now that their fathers aren't "respectable" figures in a position to demand anything of them." He glanced around, as they exited Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. "Speaking of Malfoy, I should probably head off and find him. Poor sod's always eager for trouble."
With that he left Hermione and the others in a slightly tense and uncomfortable silence. The atmosphere was soon discarded as they entered in "The Twilfit and Tatting's clothes shop" where Ginny was once again in her element. She heaed costume after costume in Hermione's arms, while both boys groaned and looked desperately for an escape. Of course, Ron didn't fail to grumble that he was hungry too. After she tried more costumes than she cared to count Hermione thought she had found the perfect one – that or she was too eager to finally go to the bookshop. Her only concern was that it actually resembled a lovely Elizabethan dress in midnight blue – corset, petticoat and all. It had tiny pearls sewn all over it in what resembled a map of constellations, so the bookworm in Hermione just couldn't resist. The only thing she was afraid of was yet another stupid remark like the one from a couple of days ago: that she was some kind of modern day Juliet. Considering she was going to the ball with Malfoy after all, she certainly didn't want to give any more food for thought to anyone. The huge grin on Ginny's face only confirmed that these concerns were very, very valid.
"Ginevra Weasley" she muttered with a dark scowl. "So help me, if I hear even a single word from you, I won't go to that stupid ball. Here, Harry, please pay for that instead of me. I need to go to the bookshop. Now."
She didn't pay any heed to Harry and Ginny's playful catcalls "Book junkie" as she headed off to her favourite place in the Wizarding world.
And now she was there. There at last. Free to browse through the books to her heart's content, because as far as she knew Ginny, she wouldn't be happy until she found the perfect dress – which would be, give or take, three hours from now. The smell of old and new books soothed her frazzled nerves and she no longer felt overwhelmed from the perfectly polite exchange between people who were quite hateful towards each other just six months prior. She even managed to not give a toss about Ron's latest display of emotional incompetence. "After all" she rationalized, "you should already be used to it, shouldn't you, Hermione?"
What she certainly wasn't used to was ferrets' being polite and acknowledging her qualities. That just wasn't how it was supposed to work, it was simply unnatural and unholy. She shivered with distaste… or so she thought. And just then…
"Fancy meeting you here" drawled a cool, still polite voice.
She closed her eyes and stood like marble in her place. Great, how was she supposed to deal him properly? It was one bloody emotional upheaval after the next. She sighed and braced herself – she certainly planned to give as good as she got.
"It's such surprise, isn't it?" she asked mockingly, turning around. "Me in a bookshop, who would have thought?"
What she saw set her further on her guard. She truly appreciated the change in Malfoy's demeanour from the past couple of weeks. Because it was now seemingly gone. His stance – rigid, his eyes – cold and his mouth twisted in the most insincere kind of smile, he looked like the boy who hated her on a principle for so many years. She didn't acknowledge the fact that this was actually affecting her. Instead she blinked and focused on what he was saying.
"Why, yes, it is surprising, since Weasley was kind enough to gift you a book." He smirked in that unpleasant manner that set her teeth on edge. "He must truly know and appreciate you, such an original present for a girl like you."
Once again she closed her eyes and slowly exhaled. When she opened them, he was only two feet away from her. "You can't help yourself, can you? You just need to pour your venom somewhere."
From such a small distance she noticed how tight his mouth was set and how his eyes were narrowed. He really was angry for whatever reason. "You should probably be immune by now. Besides, I'm sure that even a single comment from me, however mean, couldn't affect you even a tiny bit, certainly not like Weasley's oafishness."
"Well, what did you expect?" She really didn't understand him. How could he make her feel guilty so easily for not giving him the benefit of the doubt, after years of horrible treatment? "If I learned something from you, it is that you shouldn't face a viper without some kind of armour. Otherwise, what chance do you have?"
Did she just imagine the flicker of hurt? No, that was impossible. It wasn't there.
"Really? Then I'm dead useful, aren't I?" His tone of voice was absolutely freezing. "What I fail to see is how years of interaction with Weasley haven't taught you anything. I'm pretty sure he's made you cry far more times than I have. Shouldn't that tell you something? He's absolutely no match for you – in intellect, feeling, anything really. One would have thought that being Brightest witch of your age should have helped you see that more easily."
Before Hermione even got the chance to blink, he had turned his back and was striding purposefully out of the bookshop, leaving her once again stunned. So much for enjoying a quiet afternoon with books.