Hermione was still on for brunch with Viktor the next day. Hoping to spare him the hordes of Quidditch fans and gawkers, Hermione planned to take him to the restaurant Claire was working at in non-magical London. She apparated just inside the magical community and glanced around. She sighed as she recognized Viktor. He was the brooding man leaning against the wall in a muggle baseball cap of all things. He was decidedly out of place when juxtaposed with the gaggle of squealing witches. They were fawning and talking to Viktor who was looking away disinterestedly when Hermione strolled up. Tapping one of the witches on the shoulder and plastering a fake smile on her face, Hermione did what she did best—advocate.
"Excuse me, Miss. Do you have time to talk about our equals—sentient magical beings?" Hermione continued to raise her voice to address the group who now turned to look at her with varying shades of revulsion. "Research has shown that Centaurs, Goblins, and House elves have similar social patterns to witches and wizards. It is recognized that all these magical creatures are capable of emotions and intelligence on par with our own. Thus it would be highly prudent to push through legislations that would make them legal citizens with equal rights."
Hermione was unsure if she was pleased or disappointed that she had cleared out the group as effectively as she had. She turned and grabbed Viktor's hand, pulling him out towards the entrance of Non-Magical London.
"Good morning, Hermione." Viktor said with faint amusement.
"Good morning, Viktor." Hermione returned, guiding him around the corner to head towards Claire's restaurant. "You look ridiculous by the way." She said as she slowed down to a reasonable pace of walking. "Where even did you get that cap?" Hermione asked.
"The team bought caps to match." Viktor explained. They entered Claire's restaurant and asked to be seated in Claire's section.
"Hermione, what a surprise!" Claire said, waving excitedly and greeting Hermione with a hug. "Who is this guy with the smolder?" Claire whispered into her ear before pulling back with a huge smile.
"This is Viktor Krum. He was a foreign exchange student who attended our school." Hermione introduced. Viktor and Claire shook hands.
"Congratulations on your engagement." Viktor said. Claire blushed.
"Thank you! It's all so exciting. So you studied abroad at Blaise's school?" Claire asked as she led them to their table.
"It was not quite the entire year and I did not speak much with Blaise, but yes." Viktor confirmed. "I spent much time in the library with Hermione." Claire laughed.
"I can imagine! So that's where you two met—sharing novels and the like?" Claire asked, writing down the orders Hermione and Viktor told her between conversations.
"I may have had different reasons. I found Hermione and asked her to Yule ball." Viktor admitted. Claire squealed.
"You're that guy?!" Claire exclaimed, turning with a pointed look at Hermione. "That's him? Your ex?!" She whispered blatantly. Hermione smirked.
"Yes, Claire. Viktor is in town and we decided to catch up." Hermione confirmed. Claire looked positively pleased.
"Well, far be it from me to keep you kids from reconnecting!" Claire said with a wink. "I'll just come back with your drinks and food."
"I'm going to be her maid of honor." Hermione told Viktor.
"She seems nice-not what I would expect from the Zabini of Slytherin." Viktor decided. "But Zabini from ministry…" Viktor shrugged.
"I heard you talked to him! Thanks for the flowers by the way." Hermione added, blushing as she remembered her initial thoughts of how their encounter would go.
"I still hope you will be happy and healthy." Viktor said sincerely. Hermione shuffled awkwardly in her seat. In her desperation to be matched to someone around her, anyone that had proven to give her any kind of happiness, she had completely overlooked why they had been so amiable in their breakup—their affection was far more familial and she wanted romantic love and understanding.
"I wish you the very best in happiness and health, too, Viktor." Hermione said softly. There was certain sadness in her realization, an echo of the loneliness she tried to starve away.
"You are unhappy." Viktor realized, frowning more than normal. Hermione laughed, warbling the soft sound.
"We still aren't meant to be." Hermione smiled bitterly. "Not you, not Ron." She did not cry but closed her eyes in unbidden anguish.
"Hermione." Viktor said softly as he laid his hand upon hers. "We are young to worry about dying without love." Hermione slowly opened her eyes, peering at him with sad skepticism. "Perhaps Malfoy will be your one." Hermione gave a watery chuckle, squeezing her eyes tight as she sighed.
"That would be the day." Hermione laughed again. "I'm sorry, Viktor. I know you didn't come here to see me get weepy. I'm not upset that we didn't work out and I'm glad that we are still friends. I think just between you and Ron…I think I'm more upset with failure more than anything." Hermione admitted. "All around me are successful relationships and I'm just here…failing."
"Love is no contest, Hermione." Viktor reprimanded. Hermione sucked in a cheek petulantly. "I do not approve of dating Malfoy as Rose, but I am glad you accepted; it is a sign of your potential to grow."
"Draco is just… Draco is going to reject Rose and that's fine—I expect it. It doesn't seem like a risk, not really, at all." Hermione reasoned.
"No risk of being uncovered?" Viktor questioned.
"My spell seems pretty well done." Hermione may have bragged, just a little. She straightened up in her chair when Claire came over again with their food. "Thanks, Claire!" Hermione said, reaching for a fork. She had not realized how hungry she was.
"No problem, Hermione. Tuck in!" Claire said, eyeing the couple again. "I'll just be over here—doing waitress things, serving food, et cetera." Claire backed away slowly, maintaining eye contact with them until she disappeared into the kitchen. Viktor and Hermione resumed conversation.
"Draco is actually the best man. Blaise and he apparently got closer post-Hogwarts." Hermione stated.
"Has it been difficult for him? Since Voldemort?" Viktor asked, remembering he was in a Muggle café when no one turned in horror at the name.
"I'm not sure to be honest. We just talked for the first time since his trial the other day—I mean as Hermione, that is."
"I imagine it has been difficult. He is reserved like you; you're both scared to be exposed." Viktor said wisely.
"Thank you, doctor." Hermione said sarcastically, shaking off the feeling he was correct. "I've come a long way if you recall." She said with a knowing smirk. Claire appeared again and waited for Hermione to sign the check. Hermione shooed Viktor's hand full of an incorrect Muggle money away from her until he relinquished and let her pay.
"So, Viktor, what are you doing in town? Just visiting?" Claire inquired.
"I am in town for business." Viktor claimed.
"What do you do?" Claire continued. Viktor looked at Hermione.
"He's actually on a sports team, Claire." Hermione joined.
"Oh how exciting!" Claire declared. "A football team?" Viktor looked at Hermione who coughed.
"Lacrosse, actually! Rather uncommon sport over here but Viktor will hopefully turn that around. Maybe Blaise can take you. He's been known to enjoy a sports match." Hermione schemed, hoping Blaise would take the hint.
"I can get you tickets." Viktor said. "I will give three tickets to Hermione so she can come as well." Hermione scowled briefly before smiling at Claire. Claire looked skeptical.
"Well, if Blaise likes the sport, I'm sure he'd love to go. I'll ask him about it." Claire said. "Thanks for stopping by and it was lovely to meet you, Viktor." She leaned in to hug Hermione and whispered in her ear, "He could be your plus one." She stepped back and smiled as Hermione gave her a look.
"Enjoy the rest of your day!" Claire sang as she trotted back into the kitchen, waving as she left.
"She is very excitable." Viktor observed. Hermione sighed.
"Yes. Also very, very ignorant of all of our secrets." Rose was a minor part of Hermione's life, but Blaise and the wizard he was were far to ingrained to be passed over before marriage. Hermione and Viktor parted near the entrance to Magical London. "Wait!" Hermione said, turning around and running over to Viktor. She looked around before casting her je-ne-sais-quoi spell, "Incognita notum. Tell me how long it takes to where off and who it doesn't work for—for research, of course." Hermione looked at Viktor, she could recognize him but she wondered if that was because she cast the spell or because she knew him. "Also, for bragging rights. You're welcome." Hermione dimpled at Viktor before leaving again to prepare for her date with Draco.
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Draco did not sleep despite lying in his bed. At some point he had a delusional dream that he had asked Rose out on a date before realizing that was actually true. Then he dreamt he had had the date and he was the Muggle and she was the witch. But then he realized that was not true. When he chose to get out of his bed it was with the realization that he had no idea what he was going to do for their date. He hadn't the foggiest how muggles dated or what they did. Realizing that Blaise may be the one person who had dated a Muggle that he knew, he went to his apartment.
"Blaise!" He called as he stepped out of the floo. "Blaise Zabini!" Draco called again. He gasped when he heard a pop behind him. "Blaise!" Draco said in surprise as Blaise nonchalantly took off his jacket and hung it up.
"You know, you are the only person who can floo here when I'm not home." Blaise paused to look at him, "I might regret that now."
"Whe-where did you apparate from?" Draco asked, following Blaise into his kitchen where Blaise waved his wand at the kettle. Disgruntled or not, Blaise was polite.
"You might be surprised to find I, on occasion, retire at my girlfriend's apartment." Blaise answered.
"Right," Draco said, suddenly remembering his purpose to bother his friend. "Speaking of muggles—how do they date?" Blaise turned to look at Draco, the teacups he was levitating dipping precariously low in his surprise.
"They date like you and me. They meet, they talk, they kiss," Blaise generalized.
"Well…where did you take Claire for your first date, then?" Draco asked, smoothing his trousers as he took a seat on the chair nearby.
"Draco, what did you—who did you ask?" Blaise asked warily.
"Rose—the dancer." Draco admitted as nonchalantly as he could fake. Blaise nearly spilt his tea.
"You did what?! Why would you ask her? There is a certain reputation amongst women like her, especially ones who you've already paid absurd amounts of money." Blaise chastised.
"Viktor was asking her out," Draco whinged. "I couldn't let him subject her to his oafish ways. So I asked her and she said yes. Besides, she doesn't necessarily know I left the money—it is anonymous if so desired." Draco added condolingly.
"You haven't dated, really ever, and your first date is an exotic dancer. Where are you going to take her—certainly not Wizarding London. You think she won't notice your magical apartment? I haven't even let Claire see mine!" Blaise exclaimed, gesturing to the wealth of magical photos and devices that decorated his apartment.
"Well there you are! You have managed to convince a woman to marry you who doesn't even know where you live and somehow I can't manage to take one on a date?"
Draco asked incredulous.
"So then what is your plan? Your experience consists of my stag party and eating at Claire's. Neither of those places seems like an overwhelmingly charming date location." Draco looked away from Blaise and jutted out his jaw in a pout.
"I came to ask you for a suggestion." Draco responded.
"Dinner and a magic show." Blaise said deadpanned. Draco resisted the urge to hex him.
"I'm serious, Blaise."
"Fine—dinner and no magic show. Though, how you can manage the no magic part is yet to be determined." Blaise nettled as Draco scoffed. "I'm serious, Draco. You are way out of your element. You should've at least taken some Muggle gram lessons with Hermione or asked her opinion."
"Like she could get a date." Draco snipped. Blaise shot him a glare.
"For the record, I think what you are doing is incredibly daft." Blaise leveled another glare at him. "But if you are going to do this, I recommend you just let her choose and pay for her choice—that's how I first dated Claire. Granted, Hermione Granger was my wingman in that situation and I was far more familiar with Muggle anything than you are."
"You're concern is touching." Draco said rolling his eyes.
"Just be careful. I don't think you are doing this for a public image but if I were you I'd keep in mind that there are people still watching you and by extension they will watch her." Draco paused at the observation; that was something he hadn't considered.
"Will do." Draco nodded at Blaise before heading back to the fireplace to floo home.
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Hermione met Draco at the designated location. She was early, wearing a long sleeve, short black dress. Her hair was short and her makeup was less intense than her show makeup. She leaned nonchalantly against the wall across from Diagon Alley. She lounged there, eyeing the witches and wizards who emerged from the hidden depths of magical London. She was confident in her spell, despite the appraising looks she was receiving from wizards and muggles alike. It was Draco's reaction, however, that was her favorite. He emerged from Diagon alley, spotted her immediately, and promptly dropped his jaw in surprise. Hermione noticed and smirked at his blatant appraising. He startled when she pushed off the wall and walked towards him. She circled him with a predatory grin and peered at him up and down.
"Well, well, well, you look rather dashing." Hermione said, coming to a stop before him.
"You look stunning." Draco managed to reply smoothly enough. Hermione smiled. She supposed she would have felt less at ease if he knew who she really was. But here and now she enjoyed the degree of control and influence Rose could affect—or inflict—upon him.
"So, Draco." Hermione said enunciating his name slowly. "Where shall we be eating today?"
"I propose we go where ever you'd like, no price limit—for I shall pay." Draco said gallantly. Hermione winced and Draco immediately deflated.
"Oh dear…" Hermione began. Draco's face fell.
"That's a problem?" Draco asked cautiously. Hermione smiled apologetically.
"I fear London restaurants fill up for dinner—I'm unsure if we can get in without reservations at this hour." Draco looked crushed.
"I—I apologize. I had no considered the logistics." Draco looked devastated and Hermione could not resist the bubbly laughter from coming out of her.
"No matter! I'm sure things will sort themselves out." Hermione grabbed Draco's hand. "We shall just go find ourselves some dinner." Hermione smiled reassuringly before taking off with Draco in tow.
An hour later, Hermione was fatigued from her search and dreadfully hungry. Draco was able to keep up without complaint fine, but Hermione had noticed that each failed inquiry resulted in a continuing reticent Draco. Hermione was still in a good humor, though. If anything it was because of the sheer absurdity of such an awful failed start to a first date.
"Perhaps we should pause a moment." Hermione said as she pulled Draco to a nearby park bench. Draco looked like he was descending into his own personal spiral of negativity.
"This is awful; I'm so sorry." Draco said, staring numbly at the hands in his lap. Hermione gave him a pitying smile.
"It's a little awful—but mostly in a charmingly surreal way." Hermione admitted. Her stomach growled and Draco winced.
"I had no idea it was so impractical to go out for dinner. It never seemed to be such an issue." Draco continued. Hermione nearly snorted. She imagined he had probably never eaten anything in muggle London except for Claire's restaurant. She glanced at him appraisingly.
"How hungry are you?" Hermione asked when she heard Draco's stomach rumble. Hermione laughed at the timing. "There is a restaurant I like. It's closer to work. It's not fine dining, but I've liked eating there before—if you don't mind the less appealing décor, I mean." Draco gave her an uneasy smile.
"I would eat in a stranger's kitchen if it made this date any better than how it has begun." Draco responded. Hermione frowned.
"Don't be like that! These things happen. I'm certain you didn't know. In any case, let's get a taxi. I am determined to succeed in my endeavor and you have promised me a drink!" Hermione said cheerfully as she stood. She extended a hand to Draco who grabbed it and allowed her to help pull him up. She hailed a passing taxi and dragged Draco inside with her. His eyes visibly widened at the new experience. "Cat's eye pub, please!" Hermione said and they were off.
Hermione watched as Draco's face contorted in fear. His hand was gripping the door and the headrest with a clasp that made his knuckles pale.
"Alright, Draco?" Hermione asked teasingly as Draco nearly wilted at an aggressive merge.
"I think I might be a little ill." Draco admitted. Hermione withheld her laugh.
"There are worse things, I imagine." Hermione did laugh then, thinking of brooms and dragons. The taxi stopped finally and Hermione paid while Draco quickly left the taxi in favor of standing, still shaking, on the ground.
The pub was as normal as a corner pub could be. It was not overly slovenly nor anything to be considered fine dining. Hermione did not mind they were overdressed, however, and instead sat graciously at the intimate table near an empty stage. They ordered nearly immediately—chips for an appetizer and a Shepard's pie for the entrée. Hermione ate the chips with less decorum than she usually exhibited.
"So not the best fine dining London has to offer, but satisfying." Hermione claimed. Draco nodded, sampling the chips before eating with equal fervor.
"I am sorry. This has probably been the worst date you've had." Draco said sincerely. Hermione thought to Slughorn's party and McLaggen's wandering limbs.
"Frankly, you are not the worst date I've had, although I imagine there is still time to claim the title." Hermione teased playfully. Draco noticeably relaxed. "Is this your worst date?" Hermione asked. Draco laughed instead.
"No, no, I've actually not dated much." Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. In retrospect, major dating years at Hogwarts did seem to be …preoccupied.
"So I could tell you this is a normal date and you could believe me?" Hermione realized. "It's very customary on a first date to wander London hungry." She said knowledgably.
"Ah, so we are right on track." Draco added, perking up when the Shepard's pie arrived. "Tell me about your dancing. You must have been doing it for quite some time."
"I actually have only been dancing for a few years." Hermione admitted.
"How did you get into it?" Draco asked.
"Ah, well…I had a break up and suddenly found myself with free time. I stumbled into this type of dance, really, and fell in love with it." Hermione recalled.
"You're very talented. Surely you took some other type of dance before?" Draco inquired.
"I was quite the ballerina when I was four—if you count that." Hermione said. "I was actually rubbish. Granted what four year old pays attention to dance instruction, I do not know. My parents still went to the recitals but not a single one of us danced the routine properly."
"You didn't continue?"
"When I realized I looked like a platypus trying to be a swan, I gave up—and I realized that rather early. Did you ever dance?" Hermione asked knowing about his prominent dance skills at the Yule ball.
"I only learned very traditional ballroom dances." Draco admitted.
"I will have to see it sometime. I'm sure you are flawless." Hermione said playfully.
"I much prefer your mu-modern dancing." Draco said, correcting his near slipup. It had been the first all night. "The style seems to have much more individuality and talent. I certainly could not do it justice. My dances were less expression and more posture and 'one-two-three, one-two-three'."
"You've never done swing dance? Salsa? Tango?" Hermione surmised. "They sometimes have more room for freedom of expression and variety." She suggested.
"I've never seen much dancing, at all." Draco admitted.
"Well, it sounds like I simply must show you the wonderful world of dance." Hermione smirked at Draco playfully.
"I'm sure I'd be a good study." He said with faux arrogance. She laughed, shoving him lightly. "So vicious, Miss Rose." Draco countered. She laughed joyously until the lights suddenly dimmed and a loud voice spoke.
"Alright, alright, alright, welcome to karaoke night." The voice said upbeat. Hermione laughed again as she looked around; they hadn't even noticed the swell of people that had filled up the pub. Hermione glanced at her watch amazed it was already nearly nine. She was feeling buzzed but she could not decipher whether it was the wine or her genuine enjoyment spending time with Draco. She glanced at Draco who seemed a bit panicked at the change of lights and sounds; she could see him palming his wand beneath the table. She reached over and placed her hand on his other forearm.
"We've stumbled into a singing contest!" Hermione explained as casually as she could. "I didn't even realize they did this!" Hermione laughed apologetically. Draco seemed to relax though he still seemed a little uncomfortable. The first singer started singing and Draco flinched at an incorrect pitch.
"Do you sing, too?" Draco asked, raising his voice again when the singer's voice cracked. Hermione laughed.
"Everyone can sing…some people just find other people's singing less appealing." Hermione grimaced when the singer kneeled down on the floor to belt out the chorus. "I'll sign us up! You can't possibly be that bad!" She guessed.
"I wouldn't even know what to sing!" Draco exclaimed. Hermione waved him off.
"Read the lyrics on the screen!" She said pointing to the monitor on the stage. Realistically, she doubted he had ever even heard a muggle song besides the ones at Le Chat Noir. It was a bit unfair but as far as petty revenges…it was comparatively harmless. Hermione stood up and added their names to the singing list before returning to the table. "We're all set." She announced triumphantly. Draco groaned.
"Rose, please tell me you did not sign me up." Draco said, closing his eyes when Hermione began to laugh.
"Don't worry-I'll be right after and we can suffer together." Hermione said brightly. Draco looked stricken.
"Rose, I really don't think this is a good idea…I don't think I'll—I don't think I'm prepared at all." He admitted. Hermione felt a little guilty.
"Draco, if you really don't want to, you don't have to. But no one is going to follow you home and wreck your house because you hit the wrong note." To punctuate her point, the new singer went too high with their note. "It's fun to do something unexpected sometimes—especially something so harmless. I started dancing that way. Dancing wasn't something that was encouraged or considered appropriate for me and yet I really quite liked it." Draco still looked unconvinced. "I promise I won't think any less of you if you don't sing it perfectly." Hermione smiled.
"You're a little easier going about these things than I am." Draco admitted. Hermione looked at him amused and smiled thinly. Hermione Granger was hardly ever considered easy going about anything.
"I was very uptight before dancing, actually." Hermione corrected. "I'm still quite a bit particular, but not nearly as high-strung." Draco looked surprised before smirking.
"Are you saying I'm high-strung?" He challenged. Hermione huffed.
"No, I just think you are capable of trying new things." After all, you are already here. Hermione silently added. It was at this moment that the host called Draco who stood slowly and glanced at the smiling Hermione. She was unsure if he would go, but he seemed to draw strength from her playful shooing and he turned to walk to the stage.
Draco held the microphone awkwardly, inspecting it as subtly as he could. He opened his eyes in surprise as the music and screen began to play. He missed the first few words of the song but he figured it out eventually…and he was glorious. Hermione felt her jaw drop open; he was really, really good. The crowd cheered enthusiastically and Hermione joined the applause. He blushed but he seemed to feel the boon of public support. He finished with a flourish and blushed more as he returned the mic and walked off stage. He sat down looking dazed.
"You didn't tell me you sing!" Hermione exclaimed. She remembered he wasn't in Flitwick's choir.
"I really haven't sung since I was a child." Draco said. Hermione narrowed her eyes at Draco when she heard her name called again.
"You just made me have to follow a tough lead." She complained halfheartedly. She favored him with a half-smile and went to the stage to sing her song. She took the mic and the music began. She tried to eye Draco through the spotlight.
"I put a spell on you." Hermione sang, smirking. "Because you're mine." Someone catcalled when Hermione rolled her hips naturally to the song. Hermione continued to sing as she moved around the stage, engaging with the audience. They were receptive enough to her but were nowhere near as roused as when Draco had sung.
"I put a spell on you—and now you're mine." Hermione finished, holding the last note. The crowd cheered and she curtsied playfully. She returned to Draco, this time dragging her chair around to sit even closer to Draco.
"You sang wonderfully, as well." Draco complimented. Hermione shrugged off his compliment. "I can sing well, the song I sing well; my vocal range is limited. So how are you amazing at singing if you haven't sung since you were young? You didn't sing at school? You weren't trained?" Hermione asked.
"No, I was never in the choir. I was an athlete." Draco said proudly. Hermione smirked at him.
"An athlete? What sport did you play?" Hermione asked knowingly. Draco looked momentarily alarmed before schooling his composure.
"You've probably never heard of it." Draco said with faux condescension.
"Water polo." Hermione asked. Draco looked at her confused.
"No."
"Hockey." Hermione guessed. Draco shook his head. Hermione wondered if he actually had a sport in mind or if he was just guessing.
"Lacrosse." Hermione said, thinking of her Viktor's cover. She was surprised when Draco nodded.
"Yes, lacrosse. I was an offensive player—a fair one at that." He added. Hermione looked at him speculatively. It was a good cover and she wondered where he had heard of the North American sport.
"I was awful at every sport." Hermione said, letting her curiosity go. Draco laughed at her.
"You seem coordinated enough." Draco commented, eying her over. Hermione shrugged.
"Then I have deceived you well. I do wonder if I'm any better now than when I was in high school, but I've never cared to find out." Hermione admitted.
"So if you weren't an athlete in school, what were you?" Draco asked.
"I was busy." Hermione answered truthfully. Draco gave her a questioning look. "I was very busy. I was very studious and very motivated. Also, my best friends attracted trouble so I was busy cleaning up their mess." Draco nodded.
"I was very busy my last few years, too." He said. Hermione could imagine.
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Hermione and Draco stayed until the end of karaoke. They were closer to Hermione's apartment and when Draco looked awkward about ending the date, she invited him to walk her home. She wondered if wizards ever walked their date home when apparition was so convenient.
They walked home in pleasant silence with intermittent commentary. Hermione reflected on the evening and realized it had been a surprisingly nice time. Perhaps not as surprising as one would assume, given that she did accept his invitation. Rather, it had lived up to her hopes and far-fetched expectations. Yet as they walked closer to her home she felt a growing tension arise between them. The awkward close of a date was approaching. She felt a brief thrill and panic at the thought they might kiss goodnight. They stopped before her apartment complex.
"This is me." Hermione announced lamely, fumbling with the keys she seldom used in lieu of apparition. She opened the door to the complex and hovered in the threshold. "I had a really nice time." She admitted sincerely. Draco was looking at her with dilated pupils—body language for attraction and lust. It was intimate being so close to one another and it she felt herself blush. When Draco moved closer, Hermione's breath paused.
"I enjoyed seeing you today, Rose." Draco spoke so softly, his voice caressing her senses. Hermione could hear the blood pumping in her head. He was so close now that she noticed the height difference, causing her to tilt her head up to peer into his eyes. His were half-lidded and hers, she was sure, mirrored them in response. She leaned as he leaned, slowly closing the space between them until she could feel his breath on her face—the moment before the kiss. It was a moment she ruined when she placed her hands abruptly against his chest and drew her head back.
"We can't!" Hermione exclaimed suddenly. Draco drew back surprised and perhaps a little hurt. "I mean, I'm not easy. My job doesn't mean I'll…"Hermione gesticulated nonsensically. Realization dawned on Draco and he looked a little relieved at the misunderstanding.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply …" Draco repeated her hand gesture. "I apologize for being improper, but I did really enjoy our time together." Draco sounded entirely sincere. Hermione felt a little guilty—she didn't really think he wanted to kiss her because of that. "I would like to see you again, if I may." Draco continued formally. Hermione sighed, covering her face with her hands.
"I just…" she started, incapable of articulating the mess she was creating by liking him as Rose. "You just don't know me." Hermione finished. She peeked at him through her fingers. He looked incredulous.
"Isn't that the point of dating?" He asked skeptically.
"I just…" Hermione tried again, "You won't like me." She finished lamely, hands still covering her face. She felt Draco move them away to hold them between them.
"Rose," Draco said so softly that Hermione peered at him from beneath her eye lashes. "I won't make you uncomfortable; if you don't want to see me—you don't have to. But if you are concerned about something that hasn't happened yet—don't we have a right to decide then?" Hermione stared surprised by Draco's words and actions. It was a compelling point and she really had such a lovely time that she relented to her growing curiosity. Viktor would be so disappointed.
"I don't know what this is." Hermione stated as she moved in closer to Draco. He wrapped his arms around her hesitantly and she responded by brazenly wrapping hers' around Draco's neck. "We're not officially dating, I don't think." Draco paused.
"Are you seeing anyone else?" He asked.
"No!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Then I can keep seeing you?" Draco asked. "I don't need to know everything right away, but I'd like to." Hermione felt her cheeks burn and her heart thump. Here was a boy who called her mudblood and it he turned out to be capable of incredible sweetness and consideration.
"You're okay with that?" Hermione clarified, unsure.
"I am" Draco looked at her with a confident mien. Hermione felt inclined to believe him. She leaned in to kiss him, rising on her toes for better leverage. What started hesitantly grew pleasantly in fervor. She felt warmth pool inside of her. She pulled away slowly, flushing even more from Draco's heated look. Hermione pulled a pen out of her purse and wrote her phone number on his palm.
"Call me, Draco." She said before disappearing behind the apartment complex door. Once inside, she rested against the door, listening and waiting for his steps as he left. She knew it was wrong to hide her identity but he was okay with her having secrets—after all, he had plenty of his own.
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Delayed updates—the bane of every fanfic reader out there. It is slightly longer than normal, so a compromise? Thank you for your words of encouragement and your fabulous suggestions! Thanks Silver for your "magic show" date idea—I'm sure that will continue to be a thread of suggestion in this world. I actually had most of this chapter done for a while but took forever to finally edit and connect it all. Despite my tardiness I am still motivated—so that's good. Review if you can and let me know what you think! Thanks~3