Hermione entered the Phoenix Feather at precisely 6:25, looking beautiful and nervous and wearing the bright skirt that flowed past her knees and the simple button-down blouse that Ginny had helped her pick out.
She spotted his platinum blond hair that would stand out in any crowd, and quickly made her way over to him. He was standing in a corner looking at a beautiful painting of a centaur on the wall. Nervously, she tapped lightly on his shoulder.
Turning around, his eyes lit up for a brief moment, but Hermione didn't miss it.
"Hey,"
"Hey, you look…wow, you look great." Said Draco, looking admiringly at her.
Hermione smiled hesitantly, "So do you."
A waiter led them over to a vacant table in a corner.
After ordering, they started a tentative, but nonetheless civil conversation.
"So…er… how have you been?" Hermione asked quietly, her dark eyes solemn as she watched his face intently.
"I've been fine," he started, wanting to tell her how he'd missed like crazy all these years; about all those nights when her face had haunted him in his dreams, when he'd wake up crying out her name, only to find himself alone in the darkness once again. But he didn't.
"Busy working, but good all the same." He continued, "What about you?"
"I've been quite well." She answered, wondering when he answered her, why he'd briefly looked so sad. He was probably thinking about how he'd rather be anywhere but here with me…
"So… are you and Seamus still going out?" Draco asked as casually as he could, but feeling as though if her answer was yes he would get the urge to slice off Seamus's fingers with dental floss.
Hermione didn't miss the jealousy in his eyes, and felt as though a weight was lifted from her shoulders. Maybe he does care, she thought, she had no idea that he would be jealous that her and Seamus Finnigan, an old friend from school had been going out almost a year ago.
"Uh…no, we broke up almost a year ago," She voiced aloud.
"Oh, er…sorry to hear that," he answered, not looking sorry at all, in fact, he looked quite the contrary; he looked as though he'd very much like to jump up and down for joy.
"What about you?"
"Huh? Oh, no, I'm not seeing anyone, if that's what you meant."
Hermione smiled to herself, forgetting that she wasn't alone for a brief moment, and when she remembered and looked up, she found Draco watching her amusedly. She caught his silver-gray eyes with her own and they gazed into each others eyes, searching for answers, for what seemed an eternity, but must have been only a few short moments. The moment was broken, however, by an embarrassed waiter, who cleared his throat, snapping both Draco and Hermione out of their daydreams. The waiter quickly served their meals and scampered off, leaving them both slightly embarrassed.
After finishing, Draco insisted upon paying the bill, even though it was against Hermione's wishes.
Outside, they parted reluctantly, not planning to meet again until they were to meet with Dumbledore, as Hermione had a busy few days of work ahead of her.
Just as Hermione was about to leave, Draco caught her arm and she turned around to face him, a puzzled expression in her eyes.
"I…" He trailed off; they were lost in each others eyes again. Slowly, he lowered his face toward hers. Hermione's eyes widened and fluttered closed as his lips made contact with hers. The kiss was tentative, as if he was unsure how it would be received.
He soon found out that he needn't worry about that, as she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him back enthusiastically. They parted, once again lost in each others eyes. Hermione smiled up at him, pulling away.
"Thanks."
He grinned back at her sweetly, "anytime," he said cheekily.
She laughed, "Well, I guess I'd better go…I'll see you later, okay?"
"Sure," he replied, kissing her one last time before they went their separate ways.