Prodigal Witch

Dramione abounds

Draco waited at the Three Broomsticks for his date. He was a few minutes early and more than a little nervous. Granger was either going to be angry with him or love what he planned. Who was he kidding? She'd be angry and she'd love it.

Draco was toying with the napkin under his half-full glass of butterbeer when Hermione arrived. She looked like heaven. She was dressed so properly, her skirt going past her knees, a crisp white shirt, and a sweet little sweater. Draco had an urge to get her a pair of spectacles and play librarian. He chuckled to himself. She wouldn't be so proper looking shortly, if Draco got his way; which he fully intended.

"Am I late?" she asked, looking down at his drink.

"No, I was early. I'm excited." Draco grinned and stood. She smiled back. "Are you ready, Granger? We are on a tight schedule."

"Ready for what?" She looked skeptical, which was understandable.

"You'll see." He smirked. "Just promise you won't try to kill me until the night is over."

"I make no promises." Her eyes narrowed. "But, I will try to keep an open mind."

"Good. Here's our Portkey." Draco pulled an old cork out of his pocket. It was set to go in about thirty seconds. He made sure the shoulder bag he had was secure. Granger placed a finger on the small thing and Draco put his arm around her. He didn't want to lose her in transit somehow.

"Will you at least tell me our general destination?" she asked. Granger loved knowing things, planning ahead. That's why she was going to love and hate what he had planned. He wasn't going to give her a chance to over think anything.

"Paris," Draco grinned devilishly. He watched her eyes go wide and then felt the hook of the Portkey, pulling him by his navel.

They arrived with a bit of a tumble, but Draco held onto his witch.

"Okay there, Granger?"

"Yeah," she nodded, brushing off her skirt. Draco watched her get herself back in order. He wanted to see her face when she took in their surroundings. Finally, she looked up and saw the multicolored tent and all the lights. A bright smile filled her face. "The circus! We're at the circus!"

"Cirque du Magie," Draco confirmed. The French wizarding circus was well known. They were based in Paris, but had a number of shows that traveled throughout the world.

"I've always wanted to see this!" Granger looked so excited. He hoped that excitement would persist.

"Come on, I've arranged for something special." Draco took her hand and led her toward the tent. There were people milling about, sipping on wine, eating snacks, and browsing the souvenir area. The main tent hadn't opened yet. Draco pulled her around to a side door that was guarded by a rather large wizard.

"Malfoy and Granger reporting," Draco informed the guard. He stepped aside and Draco ushered his witch inside. Hermione gave him a quizzical look, but Draco just grinned.

He finally got to the area he was looking for. Hermione gasped. A relatively small silvery-blue dragon soared through the big tent. On its back was a couple, a witch and wizard dressed in sequined blue and silver costumes. They held on as the dragon flipped and did a few minutes of some spectacular acrobatics. The dragon glided steadily toward the ground and the couple stood on its back, using ropes to hold themselves steady while the animal flew. The dragon landed and the couple bowed to the empty stands. Hermione started clapping.

"That was amazing," she gushed.

"There you are!" The tall, thin wizard greeted them happily. "You must be Hermione Granger. I am Gavril and this is my sister, Cosmina."