Time Spent In Eternal Endings

The Prospect of Someone New

Hermione and Pansy went to grab a bite to eat in town the next day. Hermione's mind hadn't stopped pondering since she stepped foot outside of Draco's door. How was she supposed to just end things?

"So how are things with you and Draco?" Pansy mindlessly sifted through her chips as she chewed one in her mouth.

"He's great, but that's the problem." Hermione took a deep inhale and exhaled.

"So he's too good? I'm sorry I don't understand what you're getting at." Pansy huffed a laugh, interested as to where this was going.

"No no, he's great in that department, but I just—I don't know. I just don't want to get hurt is all."

Pansy stopped chewing but still held a chip in her hand as she moved her hand around when she talked.

"So you have feelings for him?" She pointed a chip at her.

"I guess so, yeah. I think. Gosh, I don't know!" She winced as she admitted her fault. "Merlin, I'm so bad at this Pansy. I just had one bloody thing to do. One!" Hermione palmed her face and shook her head.

"Hey! Don't do that!" Pansy took her hands away from her face.

"Trust me, I've been in your position plenty." Pansy squinted in thought. "Bad word choice... what I mean to say is that you can't beat yourself up about this Hermione. It happens." Pansy shrugged.

"Yeah, I guess so. I just really wanted this Pansy. It feels like I have some sort of freedom and spontaneity in my life, which I haven't had in so long. I just miss it." She sounded defeated knowing that Pansy wasn't going to tell her what she wanted to hear. No "he might change" or "Why don't you tell him how you feel and he might feel the same?"

This was it, unfortunately.

"Well don't get too sappy because McLaggen has been making eyes at you all week." Hermione was reaching for some of Pansy's chips and paused.

"You're kidding." Her face was unbelieving.

"Serious. As serious as Theo when someone steals his food."

"You really are serious."

"So are you gonna talk to him?" Pansy asked with a smirk.

"Maybe, we'll see what happens. A lot of people changed after the war."

"Well, whatever you decide... let me know how good of a kisser he is. I've heard mixed reviews, but I trust your judgment." Hermione laughed and Pansy joined as they finished their chips.

╔══════ ≪❈≫ ══════╗

Hermione walked into charms class and Cormac was sitting at the table where she sat. It was where Draco usually liked to sit, but he wasn't here and she shouldn't care anyway.

She took a seat to his right and he smiled at her.

"Morning Hermione."

"Morning Cormac." She smiled back at him.

She didn't realize he'd grown until she was sitting next to him as he loomed over her more than usual. His jawline was more defined and his head wasn't too big for his body anymore.

They worked together as partners throughout the class and flirted harmlessly. He would tease her here and there by curling her hair around his wand and nudging her, just to get scolded for "horseplay" and they'd silently laugh afterward, trying not to disturb the class. 

They were putting away their notes and quills before class was dismissed when he spoke. "Hey, Hermione?"

"Cormac?"

"What are you doing this Saturday?" He rubbed his neck quickly. Nervously.

"Nothing that I know of." Her voice was high-pitched as she anticipated what he'd say.

"How do you feel about letting me take you out to dinner that day?" He stood straighter and exerted a new found confidence.

She smiled down at her feet and looked back up. "I'd like that very much."

"Good. Great! I'll pick you up at seven?"

"Sounds great."

"Alright. See you tomorrow Hermione." He smiled at her and nudged her arm with his elbow.

She smiled and walked away. It was an exciting idea, but she didn't feel anything at the moment like she was expecting. But he was charming and had a certain charisma to him that interested her more than she thought he would.

Pansy was gonna scream when she told her.

╔══════ ≪❈≫ ══════╗

"YOU'RE GOING ON A DATE WITH HIM TOMORROW?!" Pansy beamed. She was yelling so loud that Hermione wouldn't be surprised if the entire dorm hall heard her. They were in Pansy's dorm. That's where they spent most of their time. Either that or Pansy would come to hers.

McGonagall used to get onto students for sneaking into each other's dorms if they were from separate houses, but she realized it was only creating a divide between houses. She stopped caring as long as they stayed out of each other's common rooms and were in their dorms by curfew.

"Shh! And yes, he asked me in charms class." Hermione was smiling ear to ear.

"Holy shit! He grew some balls!" She laughed.

"I figured I'd come to your dorm tomorrow to get ready."

"Obviously. How else would I be able to tell you what you're doing wrong?"

Hermione wanted to sound hurt, but she was right. Pansy had taught her so much, like how to put on mascara, which size heel was most comfortable, and more things of the sort. Apparently, one coat of mascara isn't enough and that's where it all started.

"I'm happy for you Hermione." Pansy smiled genuinely as she spoke in a soft tone.

"Don't go all soft on me now." Hermione nudged Pansy playfully.

"Cormac sure won't be," Pansy said with a suggestive tone and a wink.

"Pansy!" Hermione shot her wide eyes, but couldn't hide her smile from wanting to laugh.

"Well, I've gotta kick you out now. I have to go to the common room to help the blokes study." She groaned as she stood up.

"Just bribe Blaise with a date and Theo with some food for each answer they get right and they'll be passing with flying colors by tonight." Hermione stood up along with Pansy and they walked out.

She was genuinely excited. She tried to recall the last time she went on a date, but her memory failed her. It had been a while though. It felt nice to be putting herself back out there again. She could feel the thrill in her veins as she thought about the adrenaline rush dates gave her. She could barley get to sleep that night because of the excitement crowding her body from drowsiness but sleep eventually caught up to her.

She dreamt of front yards and forbidden forests that night again.

╔══════ ≪❈≫ ══════╗

Discussion