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Chapter Thirty

At approximately 6:55 PM, Draco received a floo call from Pansy saying to pick up Granger at her flat instead of Granger's. Blaise quirked his eyebrow at the message while Draco was left confounded, dismissing Dally – the messenger. He was ready to go, ready to face his date for the night, but now he was being thrown off. Frustrated, Draco scowled at his mirror image, resisting the urge to flake on this entire ordeal, and marched towards Blaise. Blaise who was currently drinking his wine and happy with his date; happy, not stressed, not anxious, just blissfully happy. And while Draco was happy, his anxieties overshadowed his bliss. He wanted this, he wanted a chance to swoon Hermione Granger off her feet, but the odds were stacked against him. He was going to a party with her friends, surrounded by people he barely knew, much less like, and all of that spelt a recipe for a first date disaster. Draco grabbed onto the glass Blaise was currently holding before downing the entire, sweet, crisp drink.

"Best of chums already? Pans certainly works fast."

Blaise said, a smirk lazily gracing his features. Draco rolled his eyes at him, scowl still in place as he silently asked for a refill which Blaise complied. Not only was he going to retrieve his date in front of his best mate, but it was also the pair of them that got to witness a potential failing evening. Draco knew Blaise, Pansy, and Theo were rooting for he and Granger to properly come together, but he couldn't feel as if he were disappointing them and himself with such an illusion. She only said yes because I caught her by surprise, he sourly thought to himself as he downed his second drink. Friendship was easier than what he was trying to pursue from Hermione Granger; she was already friendly, and she was already friends with his best mates, but he didn't want just to be friends and it made him even more nervous to think that's all he could ever get.

"Ready?"

Blaise asked, interrupting his infernal inner dialogue. Draco nodded once and he envied the cheerful, probably slightly tipsy, disposition of his friend. Blaise held a happy grin in place as he stood up from the chair he was occupying and began making his way out the door, towards his floo. Draco inhaled deeply before following him; he was currently using his occlumency to keep his anxiety hidden underneath his mask of indifference. Scrutinized by the Dark Lord and his crazy aunt he could do but preparing for an evening with Hermione and his inner walls in his mind were going to shambles. Draco tsked to himself, annoyed yet again. Reduced to a sodden mess, he scolded himself. Arriving in the sunlit room, Blaise grabbed hold of some powder from the jar besides the large fireplace. He waited for Draco, a grin still in place while Draco tried now to let his friend's cheerfulness grate on his nerves. As both he and Blaise stepped into his fireplace, Blaise said,

"Pansy Parkinson's flat!"

The green fire consumed them and soon they were stepping into Pansy's brightly covered living room. Instantly, Draco's mask slipped. He felt his jaw slacken and he zoned in at the witch in front of him. Hermione Granger is fucking beautiful, was all he could think of the woman before him. Gone were the office attire he constantly seen her in or her comfortable, but large muggle clothes. She was wearing a dark navy, snug dress that ended right above her knees; her waist, arms, and the top half of her was covered in a see-through material that had decorative, silver stars; her silky, brown skin seemed to glow underneath and Draco was reminded of how nicely Hermione cleaned up when she wanted to. It was not that Hermione was ugly or tiresome to look at in the halls of the Ministry or in her own flat, however she shined when she took her time to herself. Draco wanted nothing more to hold her cloe and snog her senseless. Her curls were all over the place, just how Draco preferred them and, Draco was sure Pansy had a hand in all of it; there were silver undertones in Hermione's usual makeup. If he wasn't fancying her before, he definitely was a fool to not start now. Gorgeous, Draco automatically thought. He didn't know how long he had been staring, but Granger started fidgeting, and Pansy cleared her throat. Swallowing, Draco tore his eyes away from Hermione and looked towards Pansy; he hoped he displayed gratitude in helping him and her get ready for tonight.

"We'll get going first."

Blaise said; Draco could hear the smirk in his voice. Pansy leaned in and whispered something to Granger, Draco eyeing the pair and appreciating Pansy's hard work to herself and Granger. Pansy was sporting a tight, emerald green skirt that ended at her shins, a long-sleeve black v-neck blouse with the plunging neckline that highlighted the silver necklace, and matching silver heels. Pansy's ever-present bob had not one hair out place, black lips, and she had big, silver hoops. Draco couldn't deny his best mate wasn't lovely, but Draco couldn't compare any witch to Hermione's beauty. Pansy then walked over to where he and Blaise stood, winking with a smirk at Draco, before he stepped away to let them go. Draco was now alone with Hermione Granger; his eyes found her once more. Three seconds seemed to pass, then eight, then fifteen and Draco's throat dried at his own awkwardness. Hermione stared right back but he could see she was trying her best to not squirm underneath his gaze – a slight movement of her hip, a slight twitch of her hand. He cleared his throat, slipping his mask back into place as best as he could to prevent the evening from falling into an awkward tango. He needed to get a grip before she changed her mind from his own social ineptness.

"Shall we go?"

He asked. Hermione nodded once before walking towards him. He could see her restlessness; the way she pressed her fingertips against the palm of her hands and how she avoided eye contact. He wanted to reassure her that he was the right date for her. He didn't move as she stepped in front of him. Slowly, he reached towards her, placing his hand over her covered arm, her glamoured arm.

"Nervous because of me, Granger?"

He asked, his tone playful but his question serious. After a few seconds, she looked up. He could see the anxiety written all over her face. She was still just as beautiful.

"Not just because of you."

She scowled; her eyebrows furrowed. He couldn't help but to chuckle, dropping his hand.

"Good. That makes one of us."

He said, couldn't help but to tease her as he let his hand fall. This was his first date with Hermione Granger; it was going to go either incredibly bad or incredibly well, and Draco had to make sure it went the latter. He was going to flirt and tease all he wanted, all she would let him, because it might be his only time he could leisurely do so. It was easier to flirt and tease the girl he liked when it was under the assumption he was romantically interested in her; much easier than the past few interactions with her had been. He saw her calculating expression before stepping back and pulled out one of his owl's feathers. Hermione's curious gaze looked at it before he twirled the long plumage in his fingers and transformed into a bouquet of pink tulips. Draco exhaled easily when he saw her smile, eyes alit with glee. His heart skipped a beat when her smiling face looked up towards him; his throat dried; his palms began to become heated; Draco tried his best to make sure he looked as if her dazzling personality didn't affect him.

"What the magician you are."

She teased back, reaching for the magically flowers. Draco smirked down at her, this time letting his fingers brush past her own smooth digits before stepping back into the floo. With his free hand, he reached above him to grab the floo powder Pansy kept in an open, long, rectangular box before offering his arm to her.

"Shall we, Granger?"

He asked once more. Once more, looking at him as if he was a puzzle and not the other way around, Hermione nodded before taking her stance before him. One hand slipping onto his arm and the other holding onto the flowers he gave her, there was a pleased emotion settling into him that made his occlumency easier. He waited until she was adjusted on his arm before saying,

"Grimmauld Place."

Fresh out of the floo, Draco let Granger lead the way as she knew more of Harry Potter's residence than he did. He hid his disappointment as she let her hand fall from his arm and leave his charmed flowers behind in Potter's floo room. The first part of his date was going well, now onto the other anxiety induced part – being around others. Others not necessarily who had pleasant views or pleasant things to say about Draco to Draco or to his date. Draco knew being Hermione Granger's date was going to cause a scene; either a good one or bad one, it was a still a scene. However, he didn't expect for Ronald fucking Bilius Weasley to make a fool of himself in front of his bloody girlfriend. As soon as Granger and he stepped into the dining room, the largest room to entertain guest in Grimmauld Place, the crowd quieted. It was as if a silencing charm had been casted, and every set of eyes were directed to him and his date. Draco spotted Weasley with his girlfriend, one of the Parvati twins, and the other Gryffindork classmates – Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnegan, Neville Longbottom, the remaining Weasley twin, along with – Draco assumed was another – an older Weasley with a fang for an earring on his left ear. There was also non-Lions in the den, Luna Lovegood – smiling eerily at him –, Theo – smiling non-eerily besides Lovegood –, Pansy – taking a sip of her drink –, Hannah Abbott, and Susan Bones. All but his friends and Lovegood were staring at them with either immense suspicion, extreme dislike, and/or unveiled curiosity. The spacious room housed some chairs, none being occupied, while towards his left the large dining table was pushed back and on top held finger foods and an assortment of drinks. Above the table were gold streamers and charmed fireworks that spelt, "Happy Birthday, Harry!" All-in-all, it was a nice display for Potter's birthday, unfortunately Draco didn't get to appreciate it much before Ronald Weasley's temper rose faster than Harry Potter's firebolt. Draco couldn't help but to press his left hand, the one currently residing on Hermione Granger's back, against the fabric of her dress. The youngest male Weasley's temper was always a weak point that Draco could easily pushed, and he would have continued to do so to watch a comical scene unfold, but unfortunately this time it was directed at Granger.

"What the bloody hell is this?!"

He exclaimed. At his wild accusation, Draco heard footsteps and Harry Potter appeared from the left of them, entering the other doorway with the Ravenclaw seeker, Cho Chang. Draco squashed his own piqued interest as to when that happened, while he stayed fixed to Granger's side. He could see her biting her lower lip cheek from his viewpoint. Blaise's head also appeared but from behind the older Weasley who was standing in an adjacent doorway and there was a slight rustle when the youngest Weasley, Ginevra, appeared. Her brimming curiosity was shining through, matching her glittery dress. Along with her curiosity, her eyes had a hint of suspicion, but Draco couldn't tell who it was for – himself or her best friend standing beside him.

"Ron."

Harry began while Ginevra clamped her left hand on her brother's arm. She glared at him, shaking her head slightly, and Draco couldn't help but to approve of her reaction. She at least has the good sense to have some decorum, he thought. There was a song playing in the background, but even the upbeat muggle song wasn't breaking the tension. Finally, after agonizing seconds, the Parvati twin made her way towards the pair, a tight smile in place that didn't reach her eyes; she looked directly at Hermione. Draco kept his eyes on the volatile Weasley who seemed even more angrier at his witch leaving his side. The Ravenclaw twin was dressed in absurdly tight but bell-shaped muggle jeans, a simple tee, and matching headband. Her long, almost black hair swayed with her as she walked towards them.

"Good to see you, Hermione. Have a drink for me, yeah?"

She said, glancing up at Draco once before walking out the room. Draco turned his head as he saw the Ravenclaw witch leave. Stupid Weasley, Draco internally cursed to himself. His current girlfriend leaving was nothing but his own fault, but Draco assumed Weasley wouldn't see it that way.

"Padma!"

Ronald Weasley yelled, running after her but abruptly stopping right besides Hermione. He glared at her and even more viciously so at Draco. Draco was annoyed that he was a tad taller, but he didn't back down. He wanted to pull Hermione unto him, but he restrained himself. They weren't there – yet.

"Couldn't return the gesture, 'Mione?"

He snapped at her, sneering her nickname for them before roughly pushing past her.

"Ron, I –"

Hermione began, but Weasley wasn't having it.

"Fuck off."

He snarled behind him. Draco didn't hesitate to walk after him, but Hermione's hand found his arm. She pulled him back towards her from a homicidal rage he felt burning inside him. How dare he treat her so? They're supposed to be best mates, at least mates! He yelled within himself. He must have slipped as Hermione's brown eyes looked up at him with a gentle emotion across her face.

"Let him go."

She requested. All he could do was nod. He didn't know why she was so easy to forgive, especially when none of this was her fault, but Draco had learned Hermione was more forgiving than he was. She smiled quickly at him, this one not quite reaching her eyes, before letting her hand fall to look back towards the many pair of eyes watching the scene unfold before them. Draco stoically stood behind her. Finally, another Weasley interrupted.

"Well! Who needs a shot!"

George Weasley exclaimed, clapping his hands, with a bright grin on his face. Many shouted in agreeance while Harry and Cho took the moment to make their way towards them. Draco was never more grateful for a Weasley's charm.

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"Hermione Granger."

Hermione heard her name being called and she regretted turning around. The party was in full swing now that Ron had voiced his concerns and everyone's initial shock of seeing Hermione Granger with Draco Malfoy had died into a mild disturbance of the social norm. Hermione had spoken with the birthday boy, received an initial surprised herself when he introduced Cho Chang as his current beau, and spoke to her Slytherin friends and Luna. Hermione didn't keep the birthday boy too long, knowing he was a good host and wanted to show off his new girlfriend; Hermione was also not surprised to see Luna with the Slytherin trio; the girl could make friends with anyone. However, Hermione hadn't gotten a chance to speak with Ginny, the other Weasleys, nor her other classmates. She wanted to go over and talk to Neville and company, but the way Seamus Finnegan was glaring at her caused her to change route. Currently, she had left her date behind with his friends while she walked to the next room, trying to say hello to everyone there. She had made the mistake of stumbling into a room of unknown coworkers of Harry's although, there was some familiar faces. Standing behind her was Cormac McLaggen and his toothy smile in place. Hermione forced herself to smile as she tilted her head in faux curiosity. She cursed her luck and while she could easily eye her date to get her out of this unfortunate encounter, Hermione steeled herself – she could handle herself.

"McLaggen, what a surprise."

She responded. Cormac McLaggen wore a form fitting maroon tee, tucked into dark trousers, and a gaudy gold ring on his left hand. Hermione spied a signet ring and she controlled the urge to roll her eyes at him. Knowing and being around the Slytherins she called friends, she could now tell how hard McLaggen was trying to look as posh as they easily presented themselves. It didn't work for him as well as it worked for them, but then again, Hermione was bias.

"Aurors stick together, Hermione."

He practically purred her name as he stepped closer to her. She could smell his suffocating cologne and that made her drink her beautifully put together beverage from Blaise faster. Before McLaggen or her could say anything, another person interrupted.

"Hermione Granger, when did you start hanging around snakes?"

A smooth voice interjected, and Hermione looked to her left. Before her was a tall, thin, dark headed wizard dress in the opposite color scheme of McLaggen. He wore light trousers and a long-sleeved moss colored shirt. His blue eyes reminded her of Theo, but they weren't as warm.

"I'm sorry, you are?"

She asked. She was grateful for the interruption; she couldn't handle being in a conversation so flirtatious as the one McLaggen wanted.

"Pucey, we were having a conversation."

McLaggen interrupted. Hermione eyed McLaggen then back to the wizard named Pucey. Pucey, Pucey… She thought to herself, trying to pinpoint where she knew him from.

"Adrian Pucey."

Pucey said, offering his hand with one dimpled smile, ignoring the curly headed blond wizard who looked to be having an aneurysm. Hermione politely smiled back and shook his hand causing Pucey to chuckle. It wasn't the Pureblood form to be introduced and she knew that. Hermione wondered if he was laughing that she shook his hand and wasn't affronted at the motion.

"You're a Slytherin."

She stated and he nodded. He took a sip of his brown colored drink in a tumbler glass while McLaggen glowered at him.

"I am. Also an auror. Auror stick together, right McLaggen?"

Adrian Pucey teased. Hermione couldn't help but to laugh at his banter, earning her a glare from McLaggen. The fellow Gryffindor finally got the picture, glaring at the pair, looking extremely put out, but stalking off; relief showering Hermione.

"Snakes seem more friendlier now-a-days."

Hermione answered. Pucey took this invitation to lean closer; not intimately close, but enough to close them off from wandering ears. He wasn't as tall as Blaise or Draco, but almost Theo and Harry's height. His scent wasn't as smothering as McLaggen, but deep and woodsy.

"Since when have you and those four become chummy?"

He asked, eyes ablaze with curiosity and intensity that Hermione could only assume it was because those four he was referring to were infamously private. Hermione shrugged, feigning with nonchalance, as she briefly looked over towards those exact four. Blaise and Theo were no longer with them, Pansy was talking to Draco, but Draco was zoned into her. She quickly dropped her gaze to look back towards her current Slytherin companion.

"Since a while now."

She replied, a soft smile on her lips. Her answer seemed to amuse Pucey as he grinned at her. He leaned in closer, his grin turning Cheshire, and for the first time in a while, Hermione felt the immediate shiver of unease at the closeness.

"Ah, does that mean you'd be the one to know if the Greengrass-Malfoy wedding is still a go?"

He asked her. Hermione's smile left without warning, an argument rising in her throat, but before she could say anything, a warm hand was placed on her shoulders, a warm body next to her.

"Pucey, are you bothering my friend?"

Theo's voice floated next to her. Hermione relaxed in his hold but a thousand and one questions floated to her mind. Why is he asking me about Astoria? I thought their betrothal contract was over? Isn't that what Theo said at lunch? Are they not done? Is he just using me for good PR? Pucey had straightened up, still grinning at their pair as if he had asked nothing amiss, causing even more inner turmoil within Hermione.

"Not at all, we were just having a friendly chat."

Pucey said, winking at Hermione. Hermione forced herself to smile – annoyed she put herself in this situation and annoyed she felt relief that Theo had essentially rescued her.

"Of course, how's the auror department treating you?"

Theo asked, changing the conversation. Hermione let their talk become background noise as she tried to sort out her own thoughts. She didn't know why she was so bothered by the question; the seemingly innocent question that tore through her like a simmering fire of embarrassment. She didn't know why felt the need to stick up for Draco, to let Pucey know that there was nothing between he and Astoria Greengrass. But she also didn't know if she was right; she didn't know if there was nothing going on between the younger Greengrass witch and her date. Hermione hated the unknown. Instinctively, she looked for her date. Gray met brown. Hermione saw a ripple of confusion flicker over his mask of apathy before forming back into place. Maybe he does know legilmens. Maybe he can read my thoughts, Hermione thought to herself. Hermione forced the only thought she could focus on to the forefront of her mind; if Draco Malfoy could read her mind, then he'd have to answer it sooner or later. What am I to you?

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Ginny Weasley watched observantly from the rim of her drink as her best friend consorted and thrived amongst the Slytherin snakes. The redhead quidditch player was wearing a short, gold number that she had bought a while ago, but didn't have much of an occasion or season to wear. However, since it was warm and she wanted to look her best, Ginny slipped on the backless, gold u-neck mini dress, matched with strappy, gold heels. Ginny adored the wandering eyes she received. Now, Ginny knew her best friend was becoming closer to the snake quad, she just didn't know the extent of their budding friendship. She was surprised, just like everyone else, when Hermione showed up with Draco Malfoy shortly after Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson showed up. She was internally shocked to see her best friend wearing high-end witch fashion that she wouldn't have purchased for herself, much less know where to go, and Ginny stamped down the envy she felt when she saw Pansy's satisfied smirk at the pair appearing. Hermione was brilliant in loads of things, but fashion didn't come to her as easy as it came to Ginny or now, Parkinson. However, she knew to keep her cool while she waited for her brother exploded. Ginny was glad her date had bailed on her; now she could focus all her time on her best friend and her acquaintances even if her ex-boyfriend was parading around his new Ravenclaw witch – much like Ron had plan to do tonight as well. Ginny wanted to snicker at her brother for his theatrics, but she held herself together for the sake of his pride. She had already ruined one family gathering with her teasing, she couldn't do it again, and much less in Harry's home. Taking a sip of her vodka tonic, Ginny Weasley quietly examined her surroundings. While the initial conversation with Adrian Pucey didn't tickle her as a good one, Ginny saw Hermione Granger relaxed in Theo Nott's hold. She watched as she held silent communication with her date, Draco Malfoy, from across the room. And Ginny perceived as Blaise Zabini came towards her for a refill for himself and Pansy Parkinson, but his eyes rarely straying from Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy.

"Bartending tonight, Miss Weasley?"

He asked coyly. Ginny rolled her eyes at him but smirked up at the tall Italian wizard.

"Just for a few, Zabini."

She quipped. Ginny's brown eyes roamed over the wizard's outfit, approving of the color and animal trim around the suit. He was tall, fit, and dressed lavishly; Ginny thoroughly appreciated a wizard who cleaned up well, living with all brothers and no sisters. Clearing her throat and downing her drink, Ginny asked,

"When did you all get so close?"

It came out as more of a demand, but her tone seemed to tickle Zabini. He chuckled as he poured out wine and muggle whiskey into the glasses.

"How many drinks do you have?"

Zabini asked, quirking his eyebrow as he looked down at her. Ginny couldn't help but straighten at his appreciating eye movements, thrill shooting Ginny as she momentarily forgot why she was speaking to the handsome Slytherin.

"How many do I need?