The Marriage Law

Chapter 8

Previously: When he [Draco] finally leveled with her, he blurted out his question before he lost his nerve.

"Granger, what would you say to going on a date?"

xxxxx

"A-a date?" Hermione asked in disbelief.

"Yes." Smirking, he continued, "Whether or not we like it, we're engaged, so we might as well form a truce and try to get along."

"That quote rings a bell," Hermione chuckled. "Tell me, what wise person are you quoting?"

Draco laughed as well. Deciding to really lay it on thick in desperation, he replied, "Not sure, but as I recall, an egotistical ass replied that he didn't care, something which he now regrets deeply." As the finishing touch, he arranged his face into what he hoped was a bashful smile. He wasn't quite sure, never having given one before.

Hermione abruptly looked concerned. "Are you alright? You're grimacing."

"Oh! Uhh…just thinking about what a loser I've been."

"Really!?" Hermione beamed. "Well, you can pick me up at 7 then!"

"Alright." Draco smiled.

"Merlin! I'm late for class!" Hermione cried. Just like that, she was gone.

xxxxx

"Uh…Granger…I have to get ready for our date too you know…" It was 6:30, and Draco was standing outside their bedroom, which Hermione was currently hogging as she got ready for their rendez-vous. To his relief, the door opened a crack as Hermione stuck her head out.

"Shh!" she urged. "If Ginny or Parvati get wind that we're going out they'll want to play dress-up and we'll never get out of here!"

"Fine. But can I PLEASE come in!" Draco begged.

Hermione sighed but stepped aside. "So much for getting picked up or being surprised by each other's outfits or anything."

"Welcome to married life, Granger." Draco smirked.

Hermione threw a pillow at him which surprised him, but which he nevertheless caught, laughing as he did. To an observer, they would have appeared like good friends.

"So, I'll get ready in the bathroom shall I?" Draco offered awkwardly.

"Works for me," Hermione replied with a seemingly great effort to avoid eye contact.

Draco finished applying cologne and was just about to slick back his hair from where it fell casually in his face when he was interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

"Could you give me a hand?" Hermione's slightly muffled voice came from the other side of the door.

Opening the door, Draco gasped and turned away quickly, thinking that Hermione was naked.

"Could you zip me up?" she asked, turning around.

Taking a peek, Draco realize that she was only in fact bare backed due to her unzipped dress. Hermione turned beet red when she realized the misunderstanding.

"Sure, sure." Draco hurried to say in an attempt to glaze over the awkwardness.

Hermione turned around for a second time, exposing her back once more to a very nervous Draco. He didn't know what had come over him. He was usually incredibly suave with the ladies and had seen more than one naked female. It felt different this time, maybe because there was more than just physical connection here. It was all foreign territory to the supposed ladies' man.