promises // dramione

chapter eight

"...and that brings us to today. The date." Hermione smiled at her friend as she finally finished the story, and to her relief Ginny was smiling back. She had told her practically everything, except for how she first saw Draco, feeling that it was still too personal for her to share. 

"Well, at least you got a happy ending." Ginny grinned. "Speaking of the date, when are you supposed to go?"  

"Right before dinner."

"Oooh, a dinner date. Fancy." Ginny wiggled her eyebrows, making Hermione laugh. Suddenly, she gasped.

Hermione looked at her, confused. "What?"

"What are you going to wear?!"

"I don't know, what I normally wear?"

Ginny looked at her as if she had just sprouted two extra heads. "Hermione, you're going on a date. A dinner date with Draco Malfoy, of all people. You know how rich he is, he's probably gonna take you to some five star restaurant!"

She raised an eyebrow. "This is a first date, Ginny, not our anniversary."

"Still, the Malfoys have always been known to be very extravagant. They were one of the richest families in the Wizarding World. Even now, I think Malfoy is going to want to impress you."

Hermione sighed. "I guess you're right. But I have nothing remotely fancy enough for a five star restaurant."

Ginny grinned. "That's why we're going shopping! You still have quite a bit of time before dinner, and I have to make sure that you're going to look drop dead gorgeous."

"I'd prefer it if I had a date that was alive when he saw me."

"Very funny," Ginny snorted, standing up and taking Hermione with her. "Now, to Hogsmeade!"

~~~~~

Ginny and Hermione walked along the shops, talking happily about anything and everything. She was glad Ginny had been so understanding, although she wasn't expecting how excited she'd be. It was good though, to know that at least her best friend was on her side.

"You know, I'm kind of surprised that you took the news about me and Draco so well." Hermione said as they entered the dress shop.

"I'm your best friend Hermione, so I know you well enough to trust your judgment. And if Malfoy really has changed and is as wonderful as you make him out to be, then I see nothing wrong with it. I mean, if I wasn't already in love with Harry, Malfoy would definitely be up there on the list of people I'd fancy."

"Ginny!" She laughed, smacking her playfully on the shoulder.

"Hey, don't look at me like that. Blood-prejudiced git that he was, every girl agrees that he has always been extremely attractive."

"Well then I guess I'm lucky." Hermione smirked, and began sifting through the dress racks.

Several hours and several dresses later, they finally found it.

"It's perfect!" Ginny squealed. "Malfoy's gonna love it."

"It feels perfect." Hermione replied with a huge smile as she twirled around in the dress.

After she bought the dress, they went to another store to get some shoes and accessories. Finally, they walked out of Hogsmeade with a perfect outfit.

"What time is it?" Ginny asked as they made our way back to Hogwarts. "I want to make sure we have enough time to do your hair and makeup."

Hermione looked down at her watch. "Shit, it's 5! Draco is coming at 6!"