The Baby Project

Picking a Date

The next class that everyone had to attend was later tonight, and Hermione was not dreading it as much as she had in the past. She felt more comfortable around Draco every day they spent together, and after picking a dress, she felt calmer about the situation. She hadn't mentioned to Draco yet about the dress, but she thought she might ask him about it if they had any free time during their class. 

It was already after supper, and Draco came over to sit by Hermione at the Gryffindor table. 

"How was your meal?" They still had a hard time starting conversations, but it was never an issue once they started them.

"It was nice." Hermione smiled and looked back at the lady who had just taken her place at the podium. No one knew her name still, and it was driving Hermione crazy. 

"I know in the past you have been told when the date of your wedding was due, but the council has changed their minds, and they want you all to pick dates tonight to turn in. The wedding date and the date which children are expected are not changed at this time. I am very sorry about this, truly I am. To help you process this, once you have turned in a date, you may go and have the rest of the evening to yourself." Hermione thought the lady almost looked saddened that the council had made this decision. Hermione knew that the lady walked around and talked to many of the students, and maybe she finally realized how this might have been a bad decision. 

"Bye, guys," Harry said as he and Ginny stood up. They had already turned in their date, which meant they could leave. 

"How are we supposed to do this. I don't even have my planner. I should be studying for exams this year, not planning a wedding." Hermione put her head in her hands and tried not to cry. Draco was still looking up in shock that he didn't notice Blaise stand up with Luna and walk out. 

"Draco?" Hermione's voice was small, and she sounded fragile, "What do you want to do? I really don't want to sit here all night." 

"I really don't know. I wanted to help you find your parents before we got married and not knowing if we would be able to do that first. I don't think I can choose one. It can be your choice." 

Hermione's heart saddened even more, hearing this. It would have been perfect to have her parents at her wedding after everything, but with everything going on, someday, just maybe having her parents back was good enough for now. "I don't want it to be too close to exams because I would like to do well on them." They sat there for a while until Hermione finally took a deep breath. "How about New Years'?" She looked up, hoping the date being so close wouldn't freak Draco out. 

"It is already October 25th. Do you think we can plan something you would actually enjoy in that amount of time?" Draco was surprised how soon of a date she had picked, but he figured getting one giant hurdle out of the way might help them. 

"Well, I guess we are going to have to."

"Well, then let's go." Draco took the paper and wrote down what they had decided and went up and handed it to McGonagall, who looked surprised. 

"We are just as surprised as you are, Headmistress." Draco half-smiled at the older women, and McGonagall's eyes widened. Hermione really was helping him, and she hoped he was doing the same for her. 

"You know we can go to Hogsmeade this weekend, do you think we should write to my mother and invite her. Maybe she could help us?" Draco was nervous about this because he hadn't even told his mother who he was partnered with, let alone that they were getting along. 

"That would be nice, but have you even told her about me?" Hermione knew he hadn't.

"No, I suppose I should have. I didn't want to upset anyone, and now that we are doing better, I think it will be easier."