"To me!" Draco raises his glass of 2002 Perrier Jouet Blanc de Blanc and tips it toward his dining companion.

Hermione smirks and clinks her glass lightly against his. "Isn't that poor etiquette? To toast to yourself?"

"Absolutely dreadful. You should really do it for me." He indicates toward her with his glass. "When you're ready," he prompts.

Her expression broadens to a smile and Hermione straightens in her chair, clearing her throat. "To your first day of muggle required classes, and the many, many more to come."

He mock frowns at her. "That's not quite the same you know."

"Oh, I know," she says airily. She takes an appreciative drink before picking up the bottle to inspect it. "This is delightful."

"It is. I did, by the way, notice that when it's my treat, we open with Champagne and escargot and when you treat it's curry take away and Guinness in your flat." He raises an eyebrow, bemused.

Hermione snickers a little over the rim of her glass. "Well that is an interesting observation, Mr. Malfoy." She sets the glass down and leans forward. "But as I recall I just said we should toast. You picked the bottle."

"Well we can't very well toast with that peasant swill at the top of the wine list now can we?"

"Anyway, you like curry," she goes on. "And Guinness. And, if I might be so bold, my flat suits your needs just fine."

"Well the curry is a guilty pleasure really; the Guinness is drinkable. As for the flat… your sofa is serviceable I suppose."

"Not nice, Malfoy. I take care of you, or have you forgotten?"

"Never." His serious tone takes Hermione by surprise a little, shattering the teasing nature of their banter and making her face feel warm. For a moment he holds her gaze before she looks back down to the table and reaches for her glass.

A short silence where they both take a drink is interrupted by their server offering to refill their glasses to which they both agree. Hermione allows her gaze to follow the man as he leaves their table. Sweeping her eyes over the posh atmosphere of the restaurant, she is impressed all over again by the opulence of the dining room. Lacking any other way to break the silence, she says simply, "thank you for bringing me here."

"It's my pleasure. Though I don't know if it's considered 'bringing' if you picked the place."

She shakes her head. "First off, you gave me search parameters. All I did was find a list online and narrow it down. Second, you're paying." She winks and is rewarded with his most charming grin.

"Well then… you're welcome, Granger. I'm glad you approve of my refined pureblood taste."

"Oh please. Pureblood has nothing to do with it. Wealthy taste more like. And of course I approve are you insane?! Look at this place." She glances around once more with a little awe and sees Draco make a quick sweep of his head.

"Beautiful," he seems to agree, but he's no longer looking anywhere but her.

XXXX

Through each course, the next more delectable than the one that proceeds it, Draco continues to bounce between his usual banter, to adoring flirtation. He's not entirely sure Hermione picks up on it. Which is absolutely infuriating if you ask him. Brightest witch? What does a bloke have to say?!

"Should we order another bottle?"

"Don't you think that's a little excessive?"

"No such thing, love. Not when a Malfoy is celebrating."

Hermione laughs and Draco soaks in the sound like sunlight. He's definitely seen her loosen up as the bottle level went down. Her constant need to hold him at arm's length, to prove how professional she is by keeping her distance, doesn't seem to be a priority as the night wears on.

"How about this then: It's Monday and you have class tomorrow and I'm due to the office at eight." She raises an eyebrow, challenging him to object.

"I find I can't argue with your golden girl logic. Another night perhaps?"

He sees her start but cover it by looking away and dabbing her mouth with her napkin. Did he finally break through a little with a simple comment of a repeat "date"? "Perhaps we could."

He grins at the perceived victory but doesn't dwell on it. "Can you apparate or should we hire one of those muggle public vehicles?"

"A taxi? I think that would be for the best."

"I agree. Very responsible. One more drink then? A digestif. How else to end a meal like this?"

"You're a terrible influence, Draco Malfoy."

"I'm harmless as a puppy, princess. One drink then we'll hang it up for the night. Wizard's honor."

Hermione seems to eye him distrustfully before she grins in a lopsided way and indicates that he go ahead. Of course he was going to anyway.

A glass of port each later, Draco is true to his word and, after asking the server to be so kind as to order them a car, stands and offers his hand to his companion so they might retire. Walking to her side and just behind, he leads her with his hand ghosting the small of her back. He'd like to imagine he saw her shiver when he touched the bare skin above her low-backed dress.

"I feel like I received the better end of this deal."

"How's that?"

"Well, we were supposed to celebrate your progress but instead I was wined and dined as though it were my own little party."

Draco is allowing her use of his hand as she lowers herself to get into the black car parked at the valet. "Since I wouldn't even be here without you, let's say that this was a 'thank you' as much as a celebration."

She slides the rest of the way inside, careful to catch the end of her skirt from being caught in the door. Draco closes it gently and strides around to the other side. The driver is waiting, holding his door open, and Draco nods to him before sliding in next to his witch.

His witch.

Draco thinks that sounds lovely. Perhaps the champagne is making him uncharacteristically optimistic.

"So you never did say…"

He glances over at Hermione, who is leaned toward him in the inconveniently spacious back seat. "What have I not said?" He grins. "Are you digging for a compliment, Granger? The dress is lovely. I quite like the… neckline," he leers playfully.

Hermione swats him but doesn't move away. If anything she leans a little closer, disguising the movement as part of her playful slap as she grins. "No! I was going to ask about class. Was Penelope kind to you?"

Well, there's a mood killer.

"Ah yes, the Clearwater witch. A couple of lingering, suspicious looks. Nothing fatal. She's probably as uncomfortable having me there as I am with her as an instructor."

"As long as she behaves professionally. And if not, tell me."

Leaning a little closer himself, he asks, "Will you come to my rescue, Hermione?"

"I…" she looks over at him, her eyes darting so quickly to his lips he may have missed it. Or imagined it. "Of course. I take care of you right?"

"That you do."

They ride in silence, Draco's mind whirling nearly out of control, leaning as far as he dares until his shoulder almost brushes hers. She can most likely hear his heartbeat and the thought makes him nervous and self-conscious.

When they have nearly reached home, he feels her lean against his arm and her curls brush his cheek and he suddenly can't breathe.

"Hermione…" he says her name softly, a prayer for salvation. She gives no reply but he carefully slides his arm around her, cupping her shoulder to draw her close. "I could thank you a thousand times and it wouldn't be enough you know. Never enough."

Her reply is disappointing in that it is an unintelligible murmur and Draco knows she's asleep. He chuckles at himself a little. Ironic that the drink that brought him bravery, likewise incapacitated his reason to need that courage.

With a resigned sigh, Draco turns and presses his lips to her curls, kissing her head gently.

A/N

(Looks around a corner sheepishly)... hello. (waves) Bet you thought I was gone forever, yes?

This is the part where I present myself with my arms out in a sort of "tah dah!" while you, whatever loyal readers might be left, glare at me unimpressed.

So this little chapter was half written back in October when I was still updating at least semi regularly. Then I got pregnant. Oh it's not an excuse, not really. Just a reason. I've no excuse for such a ridiculous delay (read abandonment) of this poor story. Just suffice it to say that I have a strong dislike for being pregnant and the general feeling of having a chronic illness (or a parasite if you prefer) did nothing for my muse. Love the baby, hated the pregnant. There were other real life aspects that slowed up my writing but honestly that was the big one.

Then my muse, don't even get me started on her. She gave me doubts; made me second-guess this piece all together. As is, I'm not entirely sure how I will wrap this up but at the very least, I am interested in trying. Not to mention I've had these other two little plot bunnies bouncing around. I have 12 chapters of one and about 6 of another but I've learned my lesson. I might start posting one of those soon but not until I feel more confident. I never want to leave a WIP unfinished for this long again.

I've been around of course. Reading and reviewing and signing up to tmbler just to follow other writers. The affect is double-edged. I'm inspired but also humbled by the dramione in the works on this site.

So, not because I deserve it, but out of the kindness of your hearts, I'd love reviews. Questions or comments or even just "I'm still here" would make my day!