As I was rereading this chapter and trying to do some last minute edits I get a call from my mom. My cousin ODed on something this morning and passed away. He was 25 years old. He is just 11 months older than I am. It's much to young to meet such an ending. My heart breaks for my uncle and his wife. They live in Florida, so about 18ish hours away and we weren't close, but I do feel terribly bad for my uncle.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Please read and review!

Chapter 18

The Date

February 26, 1999

Hogsmeade

Draco was waiting outside of the gate for Hermione. Even though he just saw her previous night he couldn't wait to see her again. She was walking down the path with Ginny, Luna, and a few other girls Draco vaguely recognized. She was by far the prettiest of all the girls. She smiled brightly when she noticed him standing by the gate. She waved goodbye to her friends and headed towards him. His heart skipped a beat or so when she wrapped her arms around him. Ginny just smiled and shook her head when she turned around to say something to Hermione. Hermione's whole body was flooded with warmth when she touched Draco. It was just like the first time. She was crazy about him.

They spent the day roaming the streets of Hogsmeade talking about work, school, N.E.W.T.s, quidditch, and other lighter topics. There were things they both desperately wanted to talk about but they'd save them for later. They wandered into Honeydukes, Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, and Spintwitches before making their way to the Shrieking Shack. Draco transfigured the same log as last time and they sat down hand in hand.

"Harry asked for forgiveness last night. I asked for forgiveness as well. It feels good to let some of it go. Thank you, Hermione. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have ever even contemplated forgiving anyone from my past. I still have a long ways to go. Ron. Lucius. even Mother. to name a few, but I feel so much better after talking to Harry. I know I sound like a Hufflepuff girl, but with you I don't even care." Hermione giggled at him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Hermione, will you forgive me for being a right git to you in school?" Draco asked nervously.

"Of course, Draco. I forgave you a long time ago. You forgive me for trying to show you up and make you miserable and for hitting you in 3rd year?"

"Yes, love. Yes." They sat there for a while longer in silence. They were just taking comfort in being with one another. They both felt at peace.

"Draco, can I talk to you about something and you won't laugh at me?" Hermione asked sheepishly.

"Of course, love."

"So I just wanted to thank you for being my friend. I was very much stuck in my realm of just a few friends. I had Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville, George, Fred, and Luna. I didn't go outside of my comfort zone very often. I mean I was friends with the others in my house for the most part but I didn't get to know anyone outside of them. This past year has forced me to be friends with Luke and to try and get to know the prefects. I've also really enjoyed and feel blessed to have been able to be friends with you and Roddy. I've always been the bookworm who hides behind her books and I never had many friends till I came to Hogwarts and even then it took me a while to make friends. That stupid troll was what brought Ron, Harry, and I together. I've always been very self conscious about my status with friends. I never had many and well it's something that I pretend doesn't bother me but it really does. I didn't ever want to be popular but I would have liked to be known as something other than the bookworm, mudblood, or one of the golden ones. I wanted to get out and have friendships with lots of people and have loads of experiences but that didn't happen. I had loads of experiences but those weren't necessarily the kind I was talking about. Being able to be friends with you has made me much happier. I love Harry and Ron and I don't know what I would do without them, but I needed you in my life, and I didn't even know it was you was missing until that afternoon we went to Bedford. I just wanted to let you know. I value your friendship and I wanted to thank you again for giving me a chance."

Draco smiled down at her and kissed her forehead. He had many of those same internal battles. He was falling in love with this girl and that scared him. "Hermione, love. I don't find that silly at all. I have had many of those same feelings. You know that before you Roddy was my only real friend, I'm still trying to figure out how he's put up with my arse for so long. At school I didn't really have friends, I had this group of clowns who followed me around and wanted my life or girls who just wanted me in their knickers. I didn't want those oafs following me around and I sure as hell didn't want any of those girls. I've never been happier now that I'm friends with you and am atleast on decent terms with Potter. My father made me believe that there wasn't many people who were good enough to be seen with a Malfoy and I continued to believe him for a long time even after I started at Hogwarts. It wasn't until fourth year that I realized that I was no better than everyone else. I never had a problem with blood but I did have a problem with people who weren't raised with money like the Weasley's. They are pureblood but they didn't have money and I viewed them beneath me. I don't now, of course, but I did for a long time. I see now that they are probably better people than I could ever hope to be. I always wanted friends, I wanted to not care about money or status or my father but I wanted my fathers' love. I chose to go after my fathers' love than friends, and I can honestly say that I regret that decision. I now don't give a shit what my father thinks. He wasn't who I needed him to be and led me in the wrong directions. What matters now, love, is that we've found one another and we're happy."

She squeezed his hand and whispered 'thank you' before going back to sitting in their very comfortable silence.

A while later Hermione realized she was very much hungry. She hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch and the sweets she ate from Honeydukes weren't near enough to satisfy her she asked if Draco wanted to go grab an early dinner. He agreed.

While as dinner they chatted about what it was like going to see Rockwood and forgiveness and Roddy and the things going on in America. As Draco was walking Hermione back to the gate she mentioned that Easter break was coming up. She told Draco she'd be staying at The Burrow but they'd be seeing more of one another. This made him smile and squeeze her hand tighter. She wondered if he knew she was falling for him. She wondered if he wanted to go on a real date. She'd ask him on a real date, muggle style, via owl. They'd go during her Easter Holiday. Once they reached the gate Hermione reached up and ran her hands through Draco's hair, she rose up on her tip toes and gently kissed his cheek. Her body ran hot as did his. He wanted to sweep her up in his arms and kiss her properly but he didn't. He just wrapped his arms around her and told her he really enjoyed spending time together and he couldn't wait to spend more time with her. He kissed her cheek and bade her goodnight.

March 8, 1999

Draco,

I'll be leaving Hogwarts on Thursday for my Easter Holiday. I know we are suppose to meet up with everyone on Friday for our weekly meeting, but I've already cleared it with Roddy, Harry, and Ron and they don't mind meeting on Saturday morning, if you would like go on a date with me. Draco, would you like to go on a date with me Friday evening?

-Hermione

Hermione,

I'd love to go on a date with you Friday. I can't believe you asked me before I could ask you. Would you like me to plan the date? I can't wait till Friday.

-Draco

Draco,

I've already got the entire date planned. It won't be like any other date you've been on. You have to promise to be willing to try new things. Do you promise?

-Hermione

Hermione,

I promise. I'm slightly nervous now. How should I dress? Can it be Friday already?

-Draco

Draco,

Don't be nervous. It'll be fun. Dress in nice muggle clothes- Jeans and a nice shirt or sweater or both. I wish it was Friday already. Meet me at my parents at 5.

-Hermione

March 10, 1999

Hermione and Ginny arrived at The Burrow right before dinner. Mrs. Weasley was preparing a feast even though everyone would be there for Easter dinner in three days. Ashira came with Ron and Charlie and Crina were there too. Charlie was able to take five days off from work and brought Crina home with him. Percy would be joining them for Easter dinner as would George, Bill and Fleur. Fleur was feeling better but still was ordered to rest most of the time. They all had a lovely dinner. There was great conversation. They openly talked about what was going on in America and how things were going with the looking for the killer. Ron and Harry were very discouraged. They were still coming up empty handed. After dinner everyone but Mr. and Mrs. Weasley went outside. They walked around the grounds and down to the quidditch pitch. They chatted and laughed and enjoyed themselves.

After their walk Ginny and Hermione made their way up to Ginny's room to talk. Hermione filled Ginny in on her plans for the following evening. Hermione was really excited about her date. She was planning on taking out her parents car that was still in the garage. It wasn't just any car, it was a 1969 convertible Chevrolet Corvette. Her father had a bit of a car fetish and the Corvette had always been her favorite. Draco had never been in a car and she was going to have fun with it. They were going to go to a muggle movie, She's All That and then they were going to dinner and possibly grab an ice cream cone. It was March and it was beginning to warm up and with magic Hermione was going to put that convertible to use. Draco had loved T.V. and she was sure he was going to love going to a muggle cinema. Ginny thought it sounded like alot of fun. Ron and Harry said they got to ride in the 'Vette next. They were jealous that Draco got to ride in it before either of them.

March 11, 1999

The Burrow

Hermione was running around the house trying to get ready to see Draco. She was more nervous this time than she was when she was meeting him the first time. This time was an actual date. It was a step into changing their relationship. That scared Hermione. She wanted more with Draco but she was very happy with the way things were right now, she didn't want to loose him. Ginny was sitting on her bed laughing at Hermione try on dress after dress, jeans after jeans, top after top. Finally, Ginny had enough, told Hermione to sit down and told her that she was going to give her what she was going to wear and she couldn't argue. Hermione agreed grudgingly. Ginny pulled out a simple green dress that came right below Hermione's knee. She tossed her some black tights and a black cardigan. Hermione busted out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Ginny asked.

"You're dressing me in Slytherin colors." came Hermione's answer.

"Well damn, I am. I wasn't even paying attention. Go ahead, wear it anyways. It looks amazing on you. He won't care what the colors are once he see's you, anyways." Ginny grabbed a pair of black flats and told Hermione to get dressed so she could fix her hair. Ginny cast a spell that tamed Hermione's curls and styled them. She straightened her bangs and swept them over to the side. Ginny went and found some simple black stud earring and Hermione put them in. Ginny then told Hermione to close her eyes as she swept a bit of color on Hermione's eye lids and put some color on her lips.

"You look great! Go find the boys, they got home not too long ago. See what they say." Ginny told her.

Hermione left the room and went to Ron's room. They weren't in there. She tried Harry's room and they weren't there either. "Harry, Ron, Charlie! Where are you?" She finally called.

"In the kitchen." Charlie replied.

"Of course you are." Hermione mumbled to herself wondering why she didn't look there first.

She walked into the kitchen and all three boys looked up at her. "So what do you think? Too much? Not enough?" Hermione asked very nervously.

All three boys just stared at her with their mouth slightly ajar. "Well?" She asked again.

Charlie gained composure first, "You look stunning Hermione. That dress is stunning on you."

"Even if you are wearing Slytherin colors." Ron added, "You look great. Draco's a lucky guy."

"Ginny picked it out. I told her they were Slytherin colors but she said it didn't even matter. Are you sure it's alright?" She asked still very much self conscious about her outfit.

"Yes." All three boys said at the same time. Mrs. Weasley and Crina walked in just about that time.

"Oh, Hermione you look so lovely. I hope you have a great date." Crina smiled. "That dress is absolutely stunning."

"You do look amazing Hermione. Draco is a very lucky guy. Hermione, invite him to Easter dinner. If you are serious about him and Ron and Harry say he isn't all like he was in school, I think he should come to dinner." Mrs. Weasley said smiling up at her like she was her own daughter.

"You mean that, Mrs. Weasley?"

"Yes, dear. I do. I think it would be nice for all of us to meet him and for him to meet us on different circumstances than before. Will Roddy be in town?"

"No, Mum." Ron answered. "He is going back to America Saturday after our meeting for a few days. He wants to spend the Holiday with his family and his girlfriend."

"Oh, alright. Well have a lovely time dear. Be careful." Mrs. Weasley said.

"Thank you. I will be. I'll see you all later." Hermione said then she disapparated to her parents house.

Granger house

Hermione apparated into her bedroom and went searching for her muggle camera. She wanted to remember this night. She found it in her closet. She made sure there was film in it and made her way to the garage to make sure everything with the car was alright.

She was in the garage when Draco apparated into the house.

"Hermione, are you here?" Draco's voice rang out. Hearing Draco's voice she made her way out of the garage and into the hallway.

"Here, Draco."

Draco turned around and lost his breath. She was stunning. He didn't think he had ever seen anyone as stunning as Hermione. He hadn't even noticed she was wearing green yet. "You look amazing Hermione. I feel very under dressed." Was all he was able to get out. He was wearing dark jeans, an untucked light red button up, and a black sweater over it.

"No Draco, you look very handsome." She said as she walked over to him to kiss his cheek. She wanted him so badly. She didn't know how much longer forehead and cheek kisses were going to keep doing it. She really wanted to taste him.

"Hermione, you are beautiful." There. He said it. He'd been wanted to say it for a long while and he finally was able to. He felt much better. Her cheeks blushed red as she looked up at him.

"Thank you. You ready for our date?" She replied.

"I'm nervous. What are we doing?"

"Well, I remember you telling me that you've never ridden in a car. So, we are going to take out my dad's car. He really likes cars and this one was always my favorite. I couldn't bare to put it in storage with the rest of them when I sent them to Australia. We are going to the muggle cinema and then to dinner." She led the way to garage. He looked at the car. It wasn't like any other car he'd ever seen before.

"Now, I'm really nervous. Do you know how to drive? It's a very nice looking car. What's so special about this car?" Draco said. He was clearly even more nervous than he was before.

"Don't be nervous Draco. Yes, I know how to drive. I've had my license for a few years now. This is a 1969 Chevrolet Corvette. Not only is it any 'Vette it's a convertible, which means the top comes down. I'll show you. You'll enjoy it. It's like flying on a broom but on the ground. Corvette's are considered "sports cars" and they go fast. Very fast. I won't drive too fast though. There aren't many Corvettes in England because they are an American made car. This one is old and rare. It's always been my favorite. I'm excited to drive it. I'm even more excited to see how you react when I put the top down. Are you ready?"

"I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be." He sighed.

"Well then get in!" She said. "Wait! We need to take pictures first." She walked towards him and put her hand around his waist and took a few pictures then he took the camera and took a few. He got in the car and she took a picture of him sitting in the car.

She got in and she backed her way out of the garage. She drove around the town for a while so Draco could get use to riding before she decided to lay some of the horses down and to put the top back. She pulled over and put the top down and Draco watched with some fear in his eyes. He was trying not to show fear but this muggle car really did have him scared. Hermione got back in the car and cast a warming spell so they wouldn't get chilled and hopped on the M1 out of London.

"Ready for this?" She asked with a huge grin on her face as shifted down into 3rd and pressed on the gas. He couldn't help but smile. She looked so happy and he had to admit this wasn't near as terrifying as he thought it was going to be. She shifted again and he was pressed back into his seat. Maybe he thought too soon. She laughed at him and took his hand in hers.

"Don't you need two hands? You're going to kill us! Can't you slow down? Why are you driving so fast?" Draco said above the wind whipping in their faces. She just laughed at him again.

"No, I'm not going to kill us. I'll remove my hand if I need a second one. I'm not even driving that fast. It's fun. Relax, Draco. Relax. Enjoy it. You're getting to do something most wizards and many muggles never get to do. Muggles dream about doing this. Calm down. Have fun."

He listened and began to enjoy zipping down the motorway. He was actually rather sad when she pulled into a parking space. They got out of the car and Hermione put the top back up. He slipped his hand into hers as they walked into the cinema.

"Shit. I'm supposed to pay for this and I don't have any muggle money." Draco said.

Hermione laughed at him. "I'm paying for tonight, Draco. You've payed for all of our meals so far. This is my treat. I planned it and I'm going to pay for it. Plus, you don't know anything about muggle money."

She asked for two tickets paid and made they made their way to the concession stand. She ordered a medium popcorn and a drink for them to share. Draco just watched in awe at everything going on around him.

They made their way to the theater and found a spot near the back. He started asking all these questions. She couldn't help but laugh at him. It was so strange for her to see someone not even know what a popcorn machine does or what a Coke was. She gladly explained it all. She explained that Coke was a fizzy drink with flavor. He liked that. Alot. He said he was going to have to get some of that. Soon the lights dimmed and the movie started. Draco tried to talk but she shushed him right quick.

He was really enjoying himself. The movie was funny and being with Hermione was wonderful. He enjoyed the popcorn and Coke. They would have to do this again. Muggles really did come up with some fun things to do. After the movie they got back in the car and went to a nice restaurant to eat. They had a wonderful evening. He was very much enjoying himself. Once supper was finished they walked around the town hand in hand. Draco decided if he didn't kiss her tonight he would hex himself. He needed to taste her. They were heading back to the car and Draco spotted an ice cream parlor.

"Do you have enough muggle money for an ice cream?" He asked her rather shyly. He hated to admit that he loved ice cream so much. He felt like a girl when it came to ice cream.

"Yes, I sure do. Would you like a cone?" Hermione giggled. She loved seeing him get so antsy over ice cream. He nodded and they walked in the ice cream parlor. He ordered a large mint chocolate chip and she got a small chocolate. After they finished their cones they got back in the car and went back to the Granger's house. Hermione fixed tea and Draco sat down and turned on the T.V. He was proud that he remembered what Hermione had told him about the T.V. and how to operate it. She came in the room and handed him a mug of tea. Earl Grey. His favorite.

She sat down beside him and snuggled up against him. He wrapped his arm around her and absently began to play with her curls. Soon enough he was consumed with desire. He lifted her face towards his and studied her features. He traced the lines of her face and ran his hand over her jaw. He tilted her head a little more and lowered his. His lips touched hers and his entire body tensed with satisfaction and need. She kissed him back. She wanted to taste him as much as he wanted to taste her. They continue to explore one another's mouths with their tongues for a long while. Draco gently bit down on Hermione's lower lip and she growled with pleasure. This was by far the best kiss she'd ever experienced. She'd only ever kissed Ron, Krum, and a muggle boy named Miles. Draco was an amazing kisser. She wasn't surprised. If half of the rumors that spread through Hogwarts were true about him then he was a very experienced man.

She tasted sweet. Her mouth was warm and inviting. He didn't think he'd ever tasted anything as good as she tasted. He had found is new favorite flavor. Hermione. He wanted more of her but was certain she wouldn't have that yet. He settled on making her growl with pleasure. She threaded her hands through his hair and kissed him harder. Oh she wasn't going to make this easy on him. She was an excellent kisser. She knew just the right moves to make with her tongue that made him go crazy. After a long while of kissing they finally stopped. Both were very much out of breath but very content.

"You better get back to The Burrow before they send someone out to find you. The last thing we need is for Weasel to show up in your parents living room." He said regretfully.

She took a deep sigh. "I know. I don't want to go though." She said and placed a kiss on his lips. He pulled her in and kissed her deeply before breaking it apart.

"We'll see one another, love." He said.

"I almost forgot. Do you have plans for Easter dinner?" Hermione asked Draco. He shook his head. "Good. Please join us at The Burrow. Mrs. Weasley wanted me to invite you. You've already dealt with Ron and Ginny and those will be the two hardest to win over. Please come, Draco." She almost begged.

"I don't know, Hermione. I have a feelings she was doing that just to be polite." Draco answered.

"No, Draco. She meant it. Please. It will mean so much to me if you come and they'll see you really aren't the same person you were in school. Please." She said while placing quick kisses on his lips.

"I'll be there Hermione. Now, get back to The Burrow before I am unable to control myself any longer."

"Thank you, Draco. It will be fine." She wrapped her arms around him kissed him deeply. "I'll see you tomorrow," and she was gone.

Draco stood there for a while trying to get his feelings under control before apparating to his flat. Roddy was there and he know Roddy was going to ask a shit ton of questions so he needed to get under control first. He knew he'd come back to the memory of those kisses later tonight, but for now he had to control himself.

The Burrow

When Hermione walked into the house Ron, Ginny, and Harry were all sitting on the couch waiting for her. They all just stared at her. She was trying to hide her grin but was failing miserably. Ginny and Harry smiled. Ron just huffed.

"Went well, did it?" came Harry's cheeky voice. It almost sounded like something Fred or George would say. She just grinned and sat down.

"Yes, it went very well. We took the car to the cinema, ordered popcorn and Coke, neither of which he had ever had before, went to dinner, walked around some and got some ice cream, and went back to my parents for a while. It was lovely. I enjoyed myself." Hermione's face was blushing.

"What did he think of the car?" Ron asked.

"He was very apprehensive about it at first but I think once he got use to it he enjoyed himself. I love that car. I'll take you out in it after graduation." Hermione replied.

"How was the snogging?" Harry asked. Ginny slapped his arm and Ron groaned very loudly.

"Who says we've kissed?" Hermione replied.

"You're grinning from ear to ear. You're glowing. You've kissed." Harry said

"Fine! We did kiss tonight. It was our first kiss. It was lovely. I do fancy him very much. He was a complete gentleman. Don't worry. All we did was kiss."

Ron got up and walked out of the room. It was too much for him to handle.

"Don't worry about him. He'll get use to it. You know how he is." Harry said. "I'm glad you had a wonderful evening. We'll see you in the morning. We're still going to your parents?"

"Yes, be there at 11. I know Ron will get over it. I wasn't going to tell him, but you asked, Harry. I'm heading to bed. See you in the morning." Hermione said as she headed up the stairs.

Draco's flat

"How was the date, buddy?" Roddy asked once Draco changed into more comfortable clothes.

"It was great. Really great." Draco answered he sat down across from Roddy and just decided to tell Roddy about it instead of answering a load of questions.

"Have you ever ridden in a muggle car?" Draco asked.

"No, I've seen them. They are really cool. Sometimes I wish we had them as wizards." Roddy answered.

"Well, Hermione took one of her dad's cars out tonight on our date. It was amazing. I was more than a little nervous about getting in that muggle contraption at first but once we got going it was awesome. I had alot of fun. She took pictures on her muggle camera. I'll show you sometime. The car was not like any I've ever seen before. It was something called a Corvette."

"Oh, you've been in the mother of all cars then. I'm jealous. I'll have to ask her to take me out for a drive. They are beautiful pieces of equipment. I've always want to ride in Corvette. I can't believe her dad has one. This muggle is cool. Now, tell me about the rest of the date. I know y'all had to make out. You've been itching to do that for a while, plus you're glowing. You're falling for her, hard, buddy, hard."

"Damn it Roddy. Damn it. I am." Draco grinned. Draco told Roddy all about their evening together. Roddy didn't harass his friend. Draco really liked Hermione and he wanted to do things right by her. She only deserved the best and that's what Draco was going to give her.

They headed to bed knowing they'd have to get up too soon to meet at Hermione's parents.

March 12, 1999

The meeting went well. The boys finished the list of known dark wizards or witches and were about three quarters of their way through the list of people that were at Hogwarts when Snape was a student once they finished that list they were going to start on the list of students that were at Hogwarts when they were there. They really didn't think it was a member of The Order.

Hermione went to the kitchen to make tea for everyone and Draco went to help her. Harry got up a few moments later to get a class of water only to walk in on Draco gently kissing her. He tried to leave without being seen but walked into the wall.

"Potter, why are you being so damn nosey. Can't a guy give a girl a kiss without being watched?" Draco said.

Hermione glared at Draco and handed Harry a glass of water.

Once the meeting was over Harry, Ron, Ashira, Ginny, Draco, Hermione, Charlie, and Crina went shopping in Diagon Alley. Roddy went back to America to be with his family.

Hermione couldn't believe that she was able to get Draco to go with her, but she wasn't complaining. He was try. He was trying so hard. He chatted with everyone. He found Ashira nothing like he expected. She was very intelligent and quite beautiful. She didn't put up with any of Ron's crap, very much like Hermione. Draco saw what he saw in her. He had never really heard much about the 2nd oldest Weasley boy and was pleasantly surprised to find him very pleasant to be around. He talked about dragons and other creatures that he worked with. Draco found his work fascinating. They all had a lovely afternoon and evening in Diagon Alley.

Everyone apparated back to The Burrow together but Draco and Hermione. They stayed behind and said goodbye. He would be joining them all at The Burrow the next afternoon. He was feeling slightly better now that he had spent some time with more of the Weasley's besides Ron and Ginny. Draco kissed Hermione goodbye before she apparated back to The Burrow and he to his flat.