Draco gave a small genuine smile at her cheeky remark. His eyes had a noticeable gleam of joy at her acceptance of his offer. He took a hold of her offered hand and a moment later they apparated to the familiar to him magical part of town. It was a posh district complete with shopping and upper class restaurants.
He led her through until they reached a café. It had cushioned sitting booths that were each in a half circle, a fireplace in the center, and gentle piano music being played live from somewhere. It definitely had a relaxed posh feel, compared to a pub like the Leaky Cauldron or the Three Broomsticks. The greeter at the door took their coats. A waiter escorted them to a booth and immediately had warm tea and biscuits to offer.
It became apparent that this was a high end café that got most of its business from business men who wanted five star foods for lunch and dinner. The menu didn't have prices and the first page was a biography of the five star chef. "I will have the balsamic vinegar reduction steak, with seasoned sweet potato and a garden salad with pomegranate vinaigrette dressing. Along with a glass of water with a slice of lemon." Draco said not needing to glance at the menu.
"My pleasure, Sir. For you Miss?" The waiter asked kindly.
. . . . . . .
'Wow…Draco has a gorgeous smile.' Hermione thought. When he wasn't smirking and genuinely smiling, it was refreshing and suited him very well. He took hold of her hand and they apparated to a magical district that she had never been to before, but had heard about. Vernal Avenue was one, if not, the fanciest areas in London. She'd never had the urge to venture there until now. Growing up her family was moderately well off, by muggle standards. Her job as a Curse-Breaker paid well, but she preferred sensible functionality over posh branding. The café was honestly more like a restaurant to her. The booths were cozy, the atmosphere was comfortable and smelled divine.
Draco placed his order and Hermione couldn't decide on what she wanted. "I'm not quite sure, what would you recommend?" The waiter smiled, "Well Miss, on a chilly day in January I would recommend the soup and sandwiches. My personal favorite is the parmesan basil tomato and Ruben Panini."
"That sounds great! I'll have that then and a glass of water, no ice." Hermione handed the menu over and sat back in the plush booth seat. "Excellent, I'll be right back with your waters and your meals will be out shortly." The waiter said with a bow and hurried off.
Hermione looked around and leaned over to whisper at Draco. "This place is amazing. I never thought I'd be coming here, I almost feel out of place." Hermione had noticed a few people glancing in their general direction and whispering amongst whoever they were in attendance with.
. . . . . . .
"To dine at places like this is normal for me, when the occasion permits. I hope you become accustomed to feel 'in place' at locations like Vernal Avenue. Pleasant company makes the food even more spectacular." He answered back in a hushed voice.
Taking notice of the casual glances and not so unnoticeable whispers surrounding their presence, a thought crossed his mind. He wasn't one for public displays of affection beyond hand holding and an arm around the waist. His idea however very much reminded him about the request Hermione asked of him during their first date. Something along the lines of 'giving something for everyone to really talk about'.
Since they were already leaning close, in a moment he made a spontaneous decision and kissed her lips. It took much of his will power to make it only last a moment and keep his hands out of sight. When he pulled away, the silence that had fallen was noticeable. The waiter's steps were heard as he returned with their waters; promising the arrival of their food shortly. If he did see what occurred he was doing a great job at behaving normally. Draco made a note to tip him extra.
. . . . . . .
As sure as the sky was blue, Hermione was certain that the 'pleasant company' Draco mention was in reference to her. She was so ecstatic to be considered pleasant company, especially by Draco. She'd gladly get used to coming to fancy eateries in his company.
For a moment she was lost for words and it was in that moment that Draco stole a kiss. It took her completely by surprise, but once it happened she took notice why it happened. The dining area became so quiet suddenly; it was as if the air had been sucked out of the building. She smiled and giggled. "You should be careful when and where you do that, Draco," she said teasing, "Someone might suffer from a heart attack. I'd feel awful if someone were hospitalized because of our passionate interactions."
. . . . . . .
Draco felt relief that Hermione was not upset at the kiss he stole. It was likely that she could have been upset, not at the kiss itself, but the reason for it. It was kind of a selfish move on his part. "At a more appropriate time and place your idea of passionate interactions needs some redefining." He commented, having no guilt at the idea of sending an aged aristocratic pureblood to the hospital because of shock.
The waiter returned with his balsamic vinegar reduction steak and her basil tomato soup and Ruben sandwich. Topping off their waters he presented a fresh dish of lemon slices for Draco. When he asked if there was anything else he could do for them Draco waved his hand signaling for him to depart.
. . . . . . .
'Redefinition, eh?' Hermione felt those butterflies fluttering about in her stomach at that. She could only imagine what exactly Draco meant, and she found herself doing just that while there food was being set in front of them. The wonderful smells that reached Hermione's olfactory senses in that moment nearly dispelled the butterfly swarm and replaced with the rumbling emptiness that she could feel fighting for the meal set before her.
The first taste of the soup nearly sent her into ecstasy. It was the best tomato soup she had ever tasted. And the sandwich was just as good. She savored the flavors, taking a few bites more before bringing her attention back to her date. "You know, I've noticed something about you."
. . . . . . .
Draco waited for her to begin eating before he started on his own meal. The balsamic vinegar flavor was highly complementary as he chewed his first bite of the steak. Technically, this meal was a part of the dinner selections. However his family had been here often enough that he could order it anytime he desired. The sweet potato was elegantly decorated with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and butter. The pomegranate dressing was refreshing to his palate before returning to eat a piece of steak.
After a few minutes Hermione started another conversation; one that certainly had him intrigued. "I know you've noticed several things about me. Do tell which one is particularly on your mind at the moment?" He replied, his gaze meeting hers.
. . . . . . .
Hermione blushed a bit and continued with her thought. "You have the most amazing smile I have seen on a man. It was not just your usual smirk, but a genuine smile. It suits you." She hoped that didn't sound too silly coming from her and continued on her soup. The heavenly flavor helped calm her pounding heart.
. . . . . . .
Draco had been complimented on many attributes that he possessed. His smile was not one he had heard before; because it was such a rare occurrence. A sight that she managed to bring out in him. "Thank you. I have my doubts that it suits me, as you say, but I will take your word for it." He stated. Her compliment reminded him of the first time he had noticed her smile. He decided to share such thought out loud.
"The first time I acknowledged your smile and…everything beautiful about you really, was when we danced at Hogwarts. It was in those few minutes as we waltzed around the floor, I finally recognized why Krum had fancied you."
. . . . . . .
"I'm sure you will get used to it." Hermione responded. She felt a bit sorry for him. It didn't seem like he had much to smile about in his past, but at least he'd been given a reason to do so now. 'Hopefully, I can continue being the reason he smiles.' Hermione thought.
When Draco revealed the first time he realized Hermione's beauty, she couldn't help but blush. "Thank you, although I don't really see it. I guess some people do. That was a wonderful dance. I thought you might have had a good time during it as well." She sat back in the seat and chuckled at the memory of every student's eyes on them. Some glares and some stares. "I think it's funny how we can do simple, natural things as two people normally do and watching people gawk at us. It's like they've never seen a person change or people put aside past differences and become friends."
. . . . . . .
When Hermione revealed that she couldn't see her own beauty, he realized that is what made her beautiful. She may have been a conceded bookworm for year, but when she finally blossomed and found balance in herself…it really was marvelous. "At least we can manage a sense of humor with the stares. I do hope with time we can become more than friends." He replied as they carried on their quiet conversation.
Their meal was coming to the finish. The waiter returned to offer dessert of Crème brulee, chocolate ganache, or classic tiramisu. Draco ordered a crème brulee for himself and the waiter turned his attention to Hermione to take her order. "And for you Miss?"
. . . . . . .
Hermione smiled when Draco voiced he hoped they could become more than friends. "That is the plan, isn't it?" She finished the last bites of her sandwich and the spoonful of soup, before wiping off her hands with the heated fabric napkin provided. The waiter returned with impeccable timing to offer dessert. Draco ordered the crème brulee, which sounded amazing to her, but she felt that she had eaten just enough to satisfy. Not wanting to over indulge she replied, "Oh, I couldn't. That was just perfect."
She looked at Draco as the waiter left with his order, "Though, perhaps I could try a bite of yours?" Now that she was working a desk job, she was being more mindful of her dietary and exercise standards. Her days as a curse-breaker made for a very active lifestyle. Days working at the Ministry were not that level of physicality. As such she made time for exercise and her best not to over indulge in dietary standards. She was in fact the fittest she had ever been. Looking and feeling great had given her a confidence boost, though it took some convincing from Ginny. But her terrible luck with men the past couple of months had put a bit of damper on her spirits.
Now that she was dating someone that she wanted to look good for, someone she knew wanted her the same way she wanted him, she was going to do her best to remain healthy and fit.
. . . . . . .
The waiter left with Draco's order and Hermione asked about trying just a bite of his dessert. Draco nodded and soon the dessert arrived. It arrived with just one spoon. Draco took the spoon and scooped out the first bite. "One bite, as agreed." He said and he leaned forward and offered the spoon to her lips.
Draco couldn't help but notice more about her. His grey eyes took in the shape of her face, her eyes, her lips, the curve of her cheeks and neck. He stopped and redirected his eyes back upward to her lips as he waited for her to take a bite of the crème brulee dessert. His lips began to tingle again at the memory of his lips against hers.
. . . . . . .
The smell of the crème brulee made Hermione instantly regret not ordering her own portion. "Oh, that looks wonderful!" She said with longing in her voice. Following such remark Draco offered her the first bite. It was so sweet of him to give her the first taste, but not as sweet as she assumed the dessert between them would be. As he brought the spoon up to her, she noticed that his eyes were observing her. She decided to try something.
She gave him a sly smile before opening her mouth, sticking out her tongue and licked just a tiny bit of the heavenly dessert off the spoon. She was definitely going to have to come back for a whole serving. The texture was just right, the flavor was overwhelming. She couldn't help herself, her eyes rolled back and a quiet moan escaped her lips.
She opened her eyes again and focused on the rest of the spoon's contents and took it into her mouth. She savored it for a moment before relinquishing the spoon. "Thank you, Draco." She said with a wink, "It was very sweet of you, giving me the first bite."
. . . . . . .
'How very captivating, who knew she could tease? I am liking this woman more and more.' Draco thought to himself as he eyes became transfixed on Hermione. A carnal desire flared within him with each move she made with her tongue, her mouth. Blood hell he damn near stood up and wanted to walk out of the store with intent to drag her along somewhere to give her another reason to moan. "It's a shame there is only enough for each of us to have two bites. This is the best dessert I have ever partaken of." He replied, taking the two bites of his own and feeding her the last bite.
The waiter arrived and Draco paid the tab and gave a generous tip. They stood and were presented their coats, before departing from the restaurant. "Where to now?" He asked, leaving it up to Hermione to decide as they walked. He resisted the urge to drape his arm around her waist and hold her close. To do so in coats would be more cumbersome then the benefits. So he settled for holding her hand.
. . . . . . .
Hermione could see the desire on Draco's face. His cheeks had tinted in color and pupils were so dilated, it looked hauntingly beautiful seeing so much black in his silver grey eyes. It was rather amusing, having that much control over a man's emotional state with something simple like licking of her lips, subtle mouth noises, or simply looking at him a certain way. It was Ginny who taught her those small nuances, back when she was preparing Hermione for her blind dates. It appeared a thank you would be in order.
Then Draco noted his disappointment with how little dessert there was and offered her the final bite. "Indeed. I am certain we will have to come back another time." She accepted the spoonful, though much less enticingly than before. She didn't want to cause Draco too much duress while still out in public.
Hermione would have offered to at least cover the tip, since he paid the bill, but he was too fast for her to do even that. They left the restaurant and Draco asked Hermione what they should do next. If it weren't so cold outside, she'd have suggested enjoying the outdoors. However, a visit to a cinema sounded like just the thing to do on such a chilly day. "Would you like to see a movie? A muggle friend of mind said there is a really great one showing currently."
. . . . . . .
He hadn't expected her to suggest another activity. He had expected her to apparate them back to her home or bid him farewell. Or perhaps offer him to come inside for a drink. After her little sultry display with the dessert, he had been mentally preparing himself to refuse any offer she might have proposed that involved stepping inside her residence. Especially if it involved consumption of alcohol, this time anyways.
Draco had completely ignored muggle studies class. However, it was because of his recent interactions with Hermione at her parents' home that muggles had found a way to make their own moving pictures and showed them with a device called a television. He had to recall from the deep depths of his memory that the phrase 'to go see a movie' meant moving pictures were projected onto a large screen to be viewed. He figured it was like watching a live theatre performance, but images on a screen told the story instead of on stage and persons. "To spend more of today with you, I will." He answered and added quietly, "I am a tiny bit curious to see the quality of muggle moving pictures compared to a live person stage performance. Take lead." He answered, the phrase bringing yet another smile to his lips. It reminded him of the dance they had shared on the Cloud Nine ferry and had switched roles while they danced.
It had been a trying time for Draco to let Hermione do such a thing, but it had been a great learning experience also. Now it seemed when she suggested something that was in the realm of muggle world or muggle activities he would tell her to take lead. He was learning to follow, while yet they were equal side by side.
. . . . . . .
There was that smile of his again. Hermione was delighted at the prospect of spending all day with Draco, and seeing him smile told her he was too. "I think you will be pleasantly surprised." She told him on their way to the cinema. Luckily, it was a few minutes' walk from where they were. Hermione happily lead Draco, hand in hand. She had not set food in a cinema since childhood, since she really didn't have much time outside of her studies, or even much interest in movies other than documentaries (on rare occasion perhaps a romance film). Now she had a reason, seeing a movie was a common date plan. Afterwards was….something she would focus on when that time came. Today had been the best day with a gentleman friend she had experience possibly ever. For the first time she could remember, she was her date's focus, in a good way.
"The film that was recommended to me is called The Phantom of the Opera," Hermione explained, "It is a musical about a man known as The Phantom who takes a liking to a beautiful young singer, Christine, and tutors her. When she reaches performance worthy skill he terrorizes the opera house, under which he demands Christine be given lead roles in their operas, or else." She looked at Draco to judge his reaction. "How's that sound?"
. . . . . . .
"That sounds intriguing." Draco replied and together they walked through the district and transitioned to the muggle side where the cinema was. It certainly had an excited feeling about the area as muggles walked all about. Some were speaking to an individual at a ticket booth. Others were consulting boxes that with a swipe of a card gave them their tickets. That was bizarre. He noted to ask about that later.
He stayed silent, but watchful as they approached the booth with a person behind it. She too purchased the tickets with a card. How did plastic hold money? And why did muggles have a person handing out tickets if contraptions did so? It was all a bit odd to him to say the least.
Inside was even more peculiar. There was a place with noisy games that children stared at like television, but some had false guns or even used switches to move mechanical arms in attempt to gain a stuffed toy prize. There was a booth that two people entered and exited with a strip of paper in each hand. He concluded that it was a photo booth and the strips were pictures that had been taken from within. Soon the smell of something salty filled his olfactory senses. "That is the concessions booth to purchase food items to dine on during the performance…I mean the place to buy snacks to eat during the movie. I couldn't possibly. Not after such a delightful lunch and dessert." He rephrased, trying not to sound so formal. It also felt very unusual for her to pay for this portion of their date. Even if it was her suggestion he was very traditional. Galleons wouldn't have been acceptable here though.
They presented their tickets to another individual who directed them to their theater viewing room number. They found two open seats available in upper center of the massive room with the biggest canvas screen he had ever seen. The seats were surprisingly cushioned comfortably and reclined. He leaned over and asked her quietly, "Perhaps you could enlighten me as to how muggle currency works. I thought you said they had coins like we do, but paper that has specific value? Plastic card is definitely not paper."
. . . . . . .
As they stood in line for tickets, Hermione noticed the inquisitive look on Draco's face. At first he was looking all around them, taking in the busy scene, but then he focused on the ticket booth, especially when it was their turn. Hermione dug a small wallet out of her bag and took out a credit card, which Draco seemed very interested in, and gave it to the young lady in the booth. "Two tickets for the Phantom of the Opera, please." The girl took the card, hit a couple of buttons on a console in the booth and slid her card through a small device, then handed it back to Hermione with two small slips of paper. "Enjoy the show!" the girl said.
"Thank you." Hermione responded cheerfully. They walked through the lobby where the arcade games and concession stands were, and Draco commented about the enticing smell but couldn't possibly after their previous recent meal. "You are right, I don't think I could eat anything else, as delicious as that popcorn smells."
Inside the theater room there wasn't many people, so plenty of seating was available to choose from. When they sat down, Draco asked her about money and the card. "I did say that. I guess I didn't think to mention anything about credit cards. There are companies that offer using credit to purchase items, and then the customer has to pay the company back later." She explained.
. . . . . . .
The use of credit cards didn't make any sense to Draco. He much preferred the use of galleons. Money you had is money you could count. He saw no benefit of 'burrowing' from a company and then pay them back. Why not just pay outright in the first place? Muggles had a odd way of making things complicated.
They did not speak on the matter further because the lights in the room dimmed and the screen light up with moving pictures about concessions, turn off electronic devices, and previews of other movies. By the time the movie they intended to see began, fifteen minutes had already passed. He watched with intense focus on the screen. His mind compared the quality of the picture to the moving pictures of the wizarding world. The way this 'movie' projected the story that was being told was brilliant.
The sounds, costumes, lighting, it was like he was seeing all of it from the front row seat of an actual theater performance. About an hour or so into the film he almost expected and intermission. But nothing of the sort came. The music and songs within the movie aided in enchanting the story.
Draco almost felt sorry for the Phantom chap. All the guy wanted was someone to recognize his tutorial work that created a masterfully skilled vocalist. He wanted to be accepted by one person he cared about the most. Part of Draco understood some of those feelings. He had learned them from his past. And some in his recent present. And yet the Phantom could not contend with the feelings Christine had in her heart for her first childhood love. No amount of money, fame, or pleasantries would have persuaded her to be his completely in mind, body, and soul.
Occasionally Draco would glance over at Hermione. The shadowed light accented certain features of her face as he read her expressions during the apex moments in the scenes of the movie. If this blossoming relationship of theirs didn't have enough strength to become something permanent, he knew he would not regret the time spent getting to know her and accepting her in a way he had never did before.
When the movie ended, he had to resist the urge to stand in ovation to applaud. He straightened up his posture against the back of his seat and watched as the credits rolled. Many people had been involved in making this movie. When the lights of the theater room gently turned on, people began to shuffle out. He turned to her and spoke loud enough for her to hear, but not be overheard, "That was brilliant! I would not have believed that to be made by muggles if I hadn't experienced all of this myself."
. . . . . . .
Hermione watched in almost as much wonder as Draco at the movie screen. The transitions from black and white to color took her by surprise, the costumes were gorgeous and the action seemed spot on. She stifled her laughter at the comedic parts, since she wasn't keen on theatre etiquette. It had been a long while since she'd attended a movie. However she felt okay to relax her efforts once she heard other patrons openly laughing at the appropriate scenes. The interactions with the two managers and the primadonna seemed to be the audience favorites.
The music was what really commanded her awe. Such emotion in the melodies nearly overwhelmed her, especially songs sung by the Phantom. The sorrow in his voice gave her pangs of sadness deep inside, but she was able to keep her composure. The credits began rolling after the last scene ended and Draco announced his satisfaction for the film. "My goodness, yes! You'd be surprised by…" she lowered her voice, "…muggle technology. For not having magic, they can do some amazing things."
As they walked out of the theater, she couldn't help but hum the Masquerade tune. They had been in the theater for nearly three hours, so the salty, butter scent of popcorn finally teased Hermione's olfactory senses enough to elicit a reaction. "I'm sorry, after such a long show, I've become a bit hungry, and so if you don't mind I'd like to get some popcorn…" She paused a moment in temporary thought, contemplating on speaking out loud a pondering that had been teasing her mind for some time; but more so now that it was a distinct possibility. "…then might you be interested in having a drink with me at my place?" She finished, asking him timidly. She might have been one of the most clever witches in England; but when it came to relationships, she felt she lacked finesse.
. . . . . . .
Draco was grateful that he had a chance to think on her offer while she got a small bag of popcorn. The desire to spend more time with her was ever present. But too much of a good thing was risky, especially with alcohol involved for just a second date. When she got her popcorn they exited and began the walk back to the wizard community. "Perhaps it would be best to accept that offer another time, next Saturday if you are available? I truly have had a marvelous time with you today. Anticipation will make our next date all the better. Don't you agree?" He asked as he reached over and plucked a kernel of popcorn from her bag and popped it into his mouth.
. . . . . . .
"I'm sure you are right." She responded, partially relieved. "We have spent nearly all day together. I'm sure Crookshanks is missing me, or rather irritated that his dinner is later than usual." Hermione spoke cheerfully. Not only were her mild anxieties relieved, but she was happy Draco wanted to continue dating, at least for the time being.
"Saturday works perfect for me, weekends off and all. Of course, if you really want, my desk is open to any owls or visitors." This wasn't quite true, but she figured a letter or visit by Draco Malfoy could be easily excused as some kind of business proposal, rather than a personal interaction. She took a small handful of popcorn and ate it. Once done, she wiped the residue off her hand and took a hold of Draco's. They walked until they found a relatively secluded area where they figured they could be alone for a moment before apparating. "I had a wonderful time today, Draco. I hope you did too." There were so many things she wanted to say to him, so many questions yet to ask, but she figured he wanted to continue dating, so she'd save such questions and conversations for later.
. . . . . . .
She had a desk, while he had an office that was more visitor friendly. However, his work and the travel distance would not permit mid week visits even if he was to drop in to see her. He figured her work was similar. But an owl he could send. It would give him something to focus on in the weekday evenings when he would return to his condo in Cario, Egypt. He recalled her complaints of Weasley not writing her. He took the hint and mentally noted that he would do so at least once a week prior to their Saturday dates.
They found a secluded location to bid farewell. "I had a marvelous day with you, Hermione." He said giving her hand a reassuring squeeze with his own. He leaned in intending to give her a tender farewell kiss upon her lips. It wasn't entirely his fault that in a moment it had went from sweet to something with subtle passionate undertone. The mild flavor of salt and butter upon her lips made the interaction even more delectable. He didn't realize he had flicked the tip of his tongue on her lips to taste more until it was too late.
He pulled back, sure that his pale cheeks were noticeably brighter. His eyes met hers, trying to detect her reaction. "Farewell…until next time." He said, resisting the urge to lick his lips. They were tingling with euphoria.
. . . . . . .
Hermione smiled at Draco's response. It was comforting to hear that he enjoyed their date as much as she did. She could definitely see them doing lunch and movies in the future. She'd have to research other date ideas, of course. Seeing movies might get tiresome after a while, variety is the spice of life after all.
When Draco leaned in for a goodbye kiss, she closed her eyes and took gentle hold of his lapel with her free hand. At first it seemed innocent, like he only wanted to peck upon her lips, but he didn't back off after the initial contact. He kept on kissing her for a long moment, even used his tongue to tease at Hermione's lips. This transition and action got her blood boiling, in a good way. But then he stepped back, bidding her farewell. 'How dare he?!' she thought. "You are a bloody tease, you know that?" She stated, looking up at Draco with smoky eyes. "I'm not quite done with you yet." She tightened her grip on his lapel and pulled him in for another kiss. Her lips attacked his with such fervor she was almost afraid if someone might find them, but for the moment she didn't particularly care.
It took quite a bit of willpower to dislodge herself from their mutually desirous entanglement, but she did need to check on Crookshanks. Hermione peeled away from Draco and stepped back, picking up what was left in the popcorn bag she didn't realize that she had dropped. She looked into his eyes again. "I'm looking forward to our next date, Draco. Owl me soon, okay?"
With that she took another step back and disapparated. At her home, she crashed into her easy chair and let out a joyous squeal. Crookshanks hopped upon her lap and meowed with concern, but mostly indignation. "I'm sorry Crookshanks, we went to a movie that ran a bit longer than anticipated. I'll feed you right away, good sir." She strolled, almost skipped, into the kitchen to feed her feline, all the while humming various melodies from the Phantom of the Opera.
. . . . . . .
When Hermione looked him in the eyes and reiterated that he was a tease, he knew she had liked what he did. What he hadn't expected was to see that look of aggressive dominance behind her eyes as she grabbed his lapel and declared she wasn't done yet; pulling him in for another kiss.
Passion ignited and the world around him ceased to exist. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her as close as their winter coats would allow. The other teased the end of her hair between her shoulder blades. He almost didn't have the strength to resist her when he felt her tease his mouth for access. He decided he wasn't going to give her what she wanted…not yet.
Whether they had been standing there engulfed into one another for seconds or minutes he did not know. Eventually she found enough restraint for both of them to dislodge herself from the kiss. Draco nodded, confirming that he would send her and owl; with that she disapparated. He followed suit and apparated back to Malfoy Manor. "Welcome home Master Malfoy." Mimble greeted, he nodded to the house elf and his mother entered the hall.
"Welcome home Draco. Care to join me at your Aunt's for lunch tomorrow?" She asked, avoiding the obvious question of did he have a nice date with Hermione Granger. She could tell her son had a good time, just by his countenance. "Yes, Mother. But I will be leaving at three o clock for the ferry back to Cario tomorrow."
The next day he returned to Egypt by ferry and when he got back to his condo late that night the first thing he did was right a letter and sent Aquila off with it to Hermione first thing Monday morning.