Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Through Her ❯ A Romantic Evening ( Chapter 8 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: Nope... I still don't own a thing, amazing.

Chapter 8: A Romantic Evening

- - - - - - - - - -

For a little while, things went pretty much the same as that night. Each night they would meet in the Room of Requirements and talk for a long time. At the end of the night, he would give her a kiss and they would go their separate ways. Ginny was always waiting for Hermione when she arrived back at her dorm, waiting to hear details of the night's events.

It was Hermione's seventh night of seeing Draco. She arrived back to her room and flopped down on her bed where Ginny was lying, absorbed in a book.

Ginny hadn't heard Hermione come in and jumped when she landed on the bed. Hermione had that dazed happy look on her face as she had each night after she came back.

"Well hey, have fun?" Ginny said, putting a silencing charm around the curtains of the bed.

Hermione sighed contentedly, "Yeah, I really did."

"So what did you guys talk about tonight?" Ginny asked.

"Malfoy told me all about his house. There are thirty three rooms! Can you believe it, thirty three! Only twelve are bedrooms. And his mother has her own bedroom, she doesn't even sleep in the same room as Lucius. Though I don't blame her," Hermione said, turning over to face Ginny, "The way he explained the library, I bet it's as big as Hogwart's library! He told me I'd love it, I bet I could spend hours in that library," Hermione sighed again, and looked dreamily back up at the ceiling.

Ginny smiled at her friend, "So things are going good then?"

"Yes, things are going great," Hermione agreed.

"So has he done anything other than kiss you yet?" she asked.

"No, not yet. But I must say, I wouldn't mind if he did," Hermione confessed, her face turning a bit red.

Ginny laughed, "You, Hermione, of all people, I never would have expected to say that."

"Honestly, neither did I, he's just been so great," she said.

"So are you seeing him tomorrow?" Ginny asked.

"Yes," she smiled, "Same place, same time."

They talked for a while more before Ginny headed off to her own room. Hermione fell asleep soon after, her mind still filled with thoughts of Malfoy.

- - - - - - - - - -

"Alright, you have one hour, starting now, I will not accept anything after that. The list of ingredients is on the board." With a flick of Snape's wand, a list of ingredients appeared on the black board in front of the class.

Chairs screeched as students got up to get their ingredients and murmurs were heard of partners discussing what they were going to do and how. Harry and Ron were splitting up jobs, when Ron noticed that Hermione still hadn't moved from her seat.

"Hermione," Ron started, "Hermione," he said again after he got no response the first time.

Hermione was startled out of her daze, "Yes, what? Ron, did you say something?" she asked.

"I was just going to ask you if you'd rather get the ingredients or the cauldron, but Harry's just gone to get the ingredients so that leaves you with the cauldron. I'm going to write everything down," Ron said.

Hermione smirked, "Ron I think maybe I'll copy everything down, why don't you go help Harry with the ingredients, there are about twenty of them, I don't think he can carry them all himself."

"Right, you're probably right, I really just didn't feel like getting up," he admitted, "But you're still getting the cauldron," he added, getting up and following after Harry.

Hermione shook her head and laughed, Some people never change. She hadn't really seen a lot of Harry and Ron lately, she wondered if anything interesting had happened. I think I'll set aside tomorrow night to hang out with them, Malfoy will understand.

She went over and grabbed a cauldron and brought it back to their table. She sat down and copied the directions as she waited for Harry and Ron to return.

With little distraction, and only a few snide remarks from Snape, their potion was finished and the perfect shade of blue, thanks mostly to Hermione. They poured a little in a vile and carried it up to Snape's desk, setting it in the 'finished' box. Snape sneered at them, but had no comment seeing that it was perfect.

As they turned around to leave, Draco Malfoy was bringing his vile up as well. His potion was also done perfectly, like always, seeing how he was second in the class, only to Hermione. As he handed in his vile in the box, a very uncharacteristic smile came to Snape's face.

"Well done, Draco!" He turned his attention to the rest of the class, "If you'll all look up here, you'll see a perfect example of how this potion is supposed to look. You would all do well to take tips from Mr. Malfoy. Well done, Draco, keep up the excellent work," with that, he smirked at Draco and turned back to what he had been doing.

"You know he just does that to get to us, I really don't understand," Ron said, shaking his head.

"He's a Git, that's all there is to it," Harry concluded.

Hermione just shook her head, they were right, Snape was a Git. But she also knew that Malfoy's potion probably was perfect.

They went back to the common room for a while since it was their break period.

Harry and Ron got out a Wizard's Chess board while Hermione sighed and pulled out her potions book.

"You know, you two would be better off starting on your homework. We have ten inches due on the shrinking potion we did today by Friday," Hermione scolded.

"Yes, but it's only Tuesday," Ron smiled at her.

Hermione couldn't help but smile back, but she shook her head in disapproval.

"Oh darn, I must have ran out of parchment. I'm going to run up to my room for a minute. Maybe when I come back you two will be working on your papers," Hermione got up from the couch and walked over to the stairs, she turned back to see if her advice had had any effect on the boys.

Harry was sitting thinking about his next move when he felt Hermione's eyes on them, he turned his head towards her and smiled, "You didn't really think that would work did you?"

She sighed, "No, not really, I just had high hopes," she walked up the stairs, she found it amusing, really. She was glad they weren't changing, she'd miss the way they were now.

She entered her room and walked over to her desk to grab some parchment, when something on her bed caught her eye. It was letter, sitting on her pillow. She smiled, hoping it was from who she thought it was.

She sat down on her bed and opened it up.

G-

8:00 ROR. Wear something nice, meet me outside the room.

-M

Hermione smiled to herself. The note was so mysterious, she was excited. She'd have to ask Ginny's opinion on what to wear later.

She put the note in a drawer, grabbed her parchment and went back down to sit with Harry and Ron.

The rest of the day went by uneventfully. They were transfiguring quills into squirrels in Transfiguration, (but somehow Ron's squirrel had ended up with a small puffy tail like a bunny and long ears), learning about the food preferences of Kneazles in Care of Magical Creatures, Listening to Professor Binns drone on about the First Wizarding War of 1382, (which both Ron and Harry slept through), practicing protective spells in defense against the dark arts, taking notes on levitating live objects in charms, and taking care of Bouncing Bulbs in Herbology.

- - - - - - - - - -

By 7:00 the Trio and Ginny were back in Gryffindor Tower lounging around, letting dinner settle.

"Ginny would you mind coming upstairs with me for a second, I have a book that I think you'll really enjoy," Hermione said, not being able to wait any longer to get Ginny alone to help her.

Ginny sighed and set down her Charms essay she'd been working on. "Sure," she said, getting up and following Hermione.

"Ginny will be back in a little while, but I'm going to be heading to the Library, is there anything I can pick you boys up while I'm there," Hermione asked.

Ron and Harry smirked at each other, "No thanks, Hermione, you just go have fun, we'll entertain ourselves here," Harry said.

"Okay, well it would be a good idea to start on your Potions essay," the boys looked at her wearily, "Or not, just a suggestion," she smiled and dragged Ginny along with her up to her room.

"Please tell me you don't really have a book for me," Ginny whined when they were inside her room.

"No, don't worry, I just need your help," Hermione told her, walking over to her desk and taking out the note from Malfoy and showing it to Ginny.

"Ooo!" Ginny squealed, "Okay, show me all your dresses."

Hermione walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out the only three dresses she had with her.

The first one Hermione showed her was a plain deep shiny red with a high neck and cap sleeves, it came down a little past her knees.

"Nope, too conservative, next," Ginny said.

The next was a little black dress that stopped just before her knees. This one had a square neck line and thick straps holding it up.

"Nope, too boring, next," Ginny told her again.

The third was a dark green satin dress that was tight on top and flowed out from the hips to the bottom which was right below her knees. It was a halter with a scoop neck.

"Ooo! That one, put it on!" Ginny exclaimed.

Hermione changed into the green dress and showed Ginny. It fit her perfectly, clinging to all the right places and giving her room to move around.

"Wow," Ginny said, "You look amazing!"

Hermione blushed, "Thanks, I just hope Malfoy thinks the same thing," She looked at herself in the mirror and couldn't help but smile, she loved this dress.

"Let me do your hair and make-up," Ginny said.

By quarter to eight, Hermione was ready. She had very light make up on, faded emerald green eyeliner, and a light layer of blush. Her hair was in a messy bun with a few curls framing her face. She had a light pink lip gloss on that made her look irresistible.

She looked in the mirror again, "You're amazing, Ginny."

"I know," Ginny smirked, "But you look great! Oh and I have the perfect shoes for that, let me go grab them."

A minute later Ginny returned with a pair of silver two-inch-heeled sandals with emerald gems on the straps. Hermione slipped them on; they looked great with the dress.

"Okay, now I'm ready to go," Hermione smiled at Ginny.

"You should probably put your cloak on until you get up to the Room of Requirements, Harry and Ron may get a bit suspicious as to why you're going to the library in a dress," Ginny suggested.

"Ah, right," Hermione ran over and put on her cloak, which covered the whole outfit, "Okay, let's go."

Ginny gave Hermione a big hug, "Have fun, I'll be here when you get back!" she said as they went back down to the common room.

Hermione quickly waved goodbye to everyone and headed off towards the Room of Requirement.

- - - - - - - - - -

She arrived there to find the corridor empty. She slipped off her cloak and leaned against the wall, closing her eyes. The door to the Room of Requirements opened and Draco stepped out.

"You look stunning," he smirked at her.

She jumped at his voice, taking in his appearance. His hair wasn't gelled back, but hung loosely over his forehead. He was wearing a crisp black suit. He looks amazing. Hermione thought, Even though he usually does anyways.

Malfoy walked over and took her arm in his, "Shall we?"

She nodded and let him lead her into the room. Once inside, she looked around and was speechless.

The walls were set as an evening sky. The sun was setting on the west wall. There was a piano in one corner, bewitched to play itself, a long black couch against another wall, and in the middle of the room was a round table set for two. Two candles were set up in the middle of the table surrounded by a plate of slow roasted prime rib, corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables. Two places were set across from each other, along with two glasses filled with a crimson liquid. The lights were dimmed, so the only light was the sunset and the candles.

"It'sbeautiful," Hermione breathed. She didn't normally drink wine, (which she figured the glasses were filled with), but it added to the mood so she decided to go with it.

"I'm glad you like it," he whispered in her ear, leading her over to her seat.

They each loaded their plates and devoured the delicious food. After they had finished with their dinners, Draco waved his wand over the table and clean dessert plates and cheesecake appeared on the table.

"How did you do that?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, I put in a little favor with the house elves in the kitchen," Draco smiled.

Hermione shook her head, as much as she hated that the house elves had to make this food, just for her and Malfoy, she didn't want to ruin the mood, she was having a wonderful time. They talked throughout dinner and dessert about numerous things, from house elves, to the Malfoy library to just small talk and joking around. They both found it easy to talk to the other.

After they had finished with their desserts, Draco got up and held out his hand for Hermione, she took it and stood up, her eyes questioning.

"Dance with me," he whispered, looking into her eyes.

That look made her melt. She couldn't even say anything, just nodded her head and let him take the lead. She rested her head on his chest and sighed contentedly. After a little while, she pulled back and looked up at him. He was smiling down at her.

"Let's sit down," she said.

They walked over to the couch and Draco sat in the corner, one leg across the couch, the other hanging off. He motioned for her to lay down with him. She was nervous, yet for some reason felt safe with him. She lay down between his legs with her back and head resting on his chest. He rested his head on hers and sighed, closing his eyes.

They stayed this way for a while in a comfortable silence, both just enjoying the other's company. It was getting late and Hermione knew that she would have to get back to her room pretty soon. She got up and turned to face him, his eyes were on her. He didn't want to go back yet, but he knew it was getting late. He got up with her and put his arms around her, pulling her closer to him.

"It's getting late, but I don't want you to leave yet," he whispered in her ear.

Hermione felt the same way. She wished she could just stay here with him, but she knew she had to get back soon.

"I have to," she whispered back.

Draco moved his head so he could look into her eyes. Hermione knew she should leave, but she couldn't break eye contact with him, she was frozen in place, captivated by that look.

Draco leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, but lingered for a moment, waiting for her response. Hermione was caught up in the moment and couldn't help but lean back in for more; she needed more, wanted more.

Draco felt the same way inside, but smirked as his arrogant side was saying to him, you've got her.

As soon as her lips touched his, she melted into the kiss and his thoughts slipped away from him. It wasn't like their other kisses, which were always gentle and careful, this was filled with passion, need. His tongue traced the outside of her lips, asking for entrance and she readily obliged. They stood there for a few minutes together before he pulled her back down on the couch. His hands caressed her cheeks as his tongue massaged hers. He flipped her over so he was on top. Hermione moaned into the kiss, wanting more, but knowing she shouldn't. She'd never done this before and found it invigorating. They stayed there for a while in each other's arms, neither wanting to break the kiss, but both aware of how late it was getting. Finally, Hermione pulled back, out of breath.

"It really is getting late," she whispered regretfully.

Draco sighed and got up, holding out his hands for Hermione. She took them and stood up with him.

"Go get some sleep, I'll see you tomorrow," Draco said sweetly.

"Goodnight," Hermione said, kissing him gently once more.

"Goodnight," he said as she left the room with the biggest smile he'd ever seen on her. He smirked and shook his head, amazed, but glad that he could draw that reaction from her.

She was still the innocent girl he'd always known her to be, but he could sense a wild side that no one had unwrapped before. He vowed to himself to be the first one to find it.

- - - - - - - - - -

"So Drake, any new discoveries with Granger yet?" Blaise asked, plopping down next to Draco on the couch in the Slytherin common room.

Draco sighed, he hadn't expected anyone to come out and find him since it was so late. "Oh not really, but I'm starting to think there's a mischievous side to this girl."

"Well then, I'm sure you're not having that bad of a time," Blaise smirked.

"Shut it Blaise, that's not what I meant," Draco said, rolling his eyes.

"Alright man, but if that ever does happen, you better tell me. Because hey, Granger's lookin" pretty good these days, and if you don't want her, you let me know," Blaise winked at Draco, waiting to see how he'd respond. He could tell that Draco was starting to actually like this girl, and Draco had never actually liked anyone, he was going to have fun with this.

"Hey, leave her alone, she's not just someone like Pansy, who goes around with everyone," Draco said, getting up.

"I know, Drake, that's why you better hurry up before someone else goes for her," Blaise smiled, getting up and walking back towards their room.

"Hey, it's not- it's not like I like her, I was just saying she'd never go for someone like you," Draco stammered, trying to defend himself.

Blaise turned around, walking backwards now, "I never said you did like her, Drake, that was all you." He smirked and turned back around, shaking his head. He knew Draco would figure it out for himself sometime soon anyways.

Draco watched Blaise walk up the stairs and turn the corner towards the dorms.

"Shit!" Draco kicked the wall. I don't fuckin' like her, he thought to himself angrily, She's just part of the task, that's IT! He kicked the wall again and groaned, falling back on the couch. His mind was reeling with thoughts as he drifted off to sleep, not even bothering to go upstairs. He kept tossing around excuses, telling himself it was all in Blaise's head. But in the back of his mind was the voice that was starting to get louder, and harder to ignore, it was telling him, Someday you'll have to admit it, Draco. You can't ignore it forever. He threw a pillow over his head and yelled into it, trying to shut out his thoughts. He finally fell asleep, though his dreams were filled with a certain chocolate eyed girl, which only made his sleep more restless because he knew he shouldn't be thinking about her. Yet somehow, it always ended up that way anyways.

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A/N: Wicked big thanks to my reviewers! Let me know what you think.

Jenny