-1Saving Granger

By - Keshia Kay Mansell

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Last Time:

Everyone crowded by the fireplace to see Hermione out. "I promise that I'll do anything in my power to make sure Ron gets every punishment he deserves." Harry assured her with passion in his emerald eyes. Hermione smiled sadly at him an kissed he and Neville both on the cheek before disappearing behind Malfoy via floo.

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Chapter 6: Dinner And A Movie

Present Time:

"I hope Harry doesn't do anything stupid." Hermione said nervously as she sat on the living room couch. She and Draco had been home for a couple of hours now and were dressed more comfortably.

"What do you mean?" Draco asked as he joined her.

"He has a horrid temper and I'm afraid that he'll do something to Ron that he'll later regret." she admitted. "He never did take kindly to those who endanger his friends and family."

"I understand what you mean, but things have changed since you've been gone. Potter has matured over the years and is able to deal with things better. I believe we can trust him to do the right thing." Draco soothed her as he put an arm over her shoulder in a comforting manner.

"I sure hope so. I'd hate to see him get in trouble for something he had no control over." she said as she looked deeply into his eyes. It struck her as odd that she could find so much warmth in his metallic silver eyes.

Draco smiled kindly at her as he got an idea. "Hey, Hermione, Why don't we go out tonight? We'll have dinner and a movie. It'll be the perfect way to take our minds off of things."

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea! How should I dress?" Hermione asked excitedly. She hadn't been out in such a long time.

"Hmm… wear something dressy but not too dressy." he said thoughtfully. "Is that alright with you?"

"Sounds great!" she exclaimed as she gave him a quick hug before hopping of the couch.

"There should be some clothes about your size in your closet. I had Dopey get them for you." Draco told her before she went up the stairs."

"Thanks!" she yelled as she bolted for her bedroom. She was excited and wanted to get ready. Draco smiled as he watched her go before getting up to get ready himself.

When Hermione got to her room, she opened her closet and gasped. The entire walk-in closet was filled to the brim with different types of clothing that were all separated into categories. She immediately narrowed her search down to the clothes labeled 'dressy,' and 'date.' Why there was a section labeled 'date' she had not a clue, but was glad it was there when she found a tight-fitting, sleeveless silk dress that ended just above her knees. At the bottom of the closet she found a matching pair of peep-toe pumps to go with her outfit.

Next, she headed to the bathroom to fix her make-up. She applied mascara, eyeliner, and a smoky gray coloured eye-shadow. Then she put on son sheer pink lip gloss and some light pink blush. She then painted her nails a shiny silver colour. While she was waiting for that to dry, she took her wand and began altering her appearance. Her amber eyes morphed into a brilliant light blue and her hair brightened into a platinum blonde. Her frizzy curls disappeared until only her shiny, strait, shoulder length locks remained. Though she had changed nothing else, no one would have guessed that she was Hermione Granger of all people.

When she felt that she was ready, she confidently made her way down the stairs. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Draco. He was more handsome then ever as is angel-blond hair was no longer slicked back causing a few bangs to fall freely in his face. He wore black trousers and a silver button-up top that caused his eyes to glitter handsomely. He was quiet the sight indeed.

When he saw her he looked both shocked and pleased. It took him several moments to take her in before commenting. "You look beautiful Hermione." he complimented as he took her by the arm. "I wish you didn't have to hide your appearance though, I always have had a thing for your hair.

"Oh really, now?" she teased. "That's to bad now isn't it?"

"Indeed it is," he agreed. "but I'm ok with anything your willing to give."

"How charming." she smiled.

"I thought so." he smirked.

"So where are you taking me this evening, Mr. Malfoy?" Hermione asked curiously.

"You'll have to wait and see, Miss Granger." he said, offering her his arm. When she accepted it, he apparated them to their destination.

"Wow." Hermione whispered. The restaurant was huge! Hundreds of witches and wizards bustled about, ordering meals.

"Name, sir." a pointy nosed waiter asked as he eyed them suspiciously.

"The reservations should be under Malfoy." Draco informed him.

"Right this way then, Mr. Malfoy." the waiter directed ignoring Hermione's presence. She gave Draco a questioning look, but he only shook his head, not really understanding the waiter's behavior either.

Once they were seated Draco asked, "So besides the snooty waiter, do you like it here?"

"Of course, It looks amazing and the food on the menu looks delicious." she smiled happily. Then her smile faded as she saw who was seated at the table behind them.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" Draco asked with concern written all over his face.

"Look behind you." she whispered. He did, and wasn't very happy with who he saw. At the table behind them, sat no other then Ron Weasley with Lavender Brown. A giant engagement ring adorned her long, slender fingers.

"Hermione we don't have to stay here if you don't want to." Draco said quietly, not really wanting a reason to cause anxiety. Tonight was supposed to be their night to relax.

"Don't worry about it Draco. He can't recognize me anyway, so there's really no reason to leave."

"Are you sure your alright with this?" he asked one final time.

"Positive."

After that, the waiter came and they ordered their food. Both had red wine and the spaghetti platter. The chatted and laughed at each other's jokes. Dinner was going great until Ron noticed Draco.

"Well if it isn't Ferret Face. Off with another bimbo, are we?" Ron sneered as he approached their table, Lavender in toe.

"Please don't insult my date, Weasley. You know absolutely nothing about her." Draco warned as he gave the redhead an icy glare.

"I don't see why I shouldn't. If I don't, then you will so who cares?" Ron asked. Then without waiting for an answer, he turned his attention to Hermione. "He only wants you because you're a piece of ass, sweat cheeks."

Draco glared angrily and his fists clinched. The Weasel was going to far. But before he could say anything, Hermione spoke up. "Somehow I think your speaking more about yourself then Draco here." she drawled.

"Your sadly mistaken, Bitch. After the quick shag-session he'll have with you, he'll dump you."

"Weasel, I'm warning you…" Draco snarled. He didn't like where this conversation was going.

"Warning me what? Your just a sorry excuse of a man, Malfoy. You don't have a caring bone in your body. I'm just trying to help your little 'friend,' here to see the light."

Smack! Hermione had never felt so good in her life. "Don't fuck with my man." she practically growled at him. Then she immediately regretted it when Ron began to raise his own hand, but Draco caught it, stopping it from hitting her in the face.

"Don't you dare hit her! You've already caused enough damage." He shouted. Then he through a tip on the table. "Come on, dear. Let's get out of here." Then they walked hand and hand out of the restaurant.

"Thanks for that back there." Hermione blushed as they walked toward the movie theater, still holding hands.

"Don't mention it." he smiled. "Did you see Weasley's face after you backhanded him? That was amazing!"

"You're silly, Draco." she said rolling her eyes.

"But you wouldn't have me any other way." he teased as he wrapped his arms around her.

The rest of the night was quite peaceful. Hermione chose some sort of horror film at the theater. Draco didn't really understand most of it, but he did enjoy it when she hugged onto his arm for dear life on the scary parts. When they finally got home, both were sad to see the night go having each learned something about the other. As the went to sleep their dreams were filled with thoughts of the other.

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A/N: Holly Cow! It's like 6 a.m.! I guess time flies when your having fun, right? Well I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, it's about time those two started showing attraction for each other. In the next chapter, they will find out the court dates.

-KKM