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The bell rang and Hermione was already feeling like this was a risky decision. What if this ruined things instead of improving them? She looked at the clock and it was time. God there would be no turning back now! Slowly descending the stairs, she straightened her posture and took one last breath before opening the door.
- * -
It had been a good ten minutes of Draco waiting in his car. Pouring his eyes into the watch till it showed the time he was supposed to arrive to pick her up. This was no occasion to risk getting late hence his waiting! Getting out of his car, he shot his reflection a quick glance before ringing the bell he had been so eager to touch.
- * -
Hermione was not about to break the stare contest they had unintentionally entered after looking each other up and down. She didn’t want to but better judgment indicated something had to be done else she’d keep staring into his hypnotic metallic gaze that practically demanded attention.
“Hey”
“Hi.. you look.. lovely!” came his instantaneous reply.
“Thanks. So do you”
“Are you ready or… do you need a minute?”
“No I’m fine, let’s go”
_ * _
Hermione thought she’d never seen him be such a… Gentleman, offering her the cue to walk ahead, even going as far as to open the car door for her—a gesture by the way she had yet to experience albeit read a ton about in numerous fictions featuring it.
The car ride went okay as far as he could tell. She was making small talk, commenting about his choice of music or the route he had decided to take to get to their destination. By the time they reached the restaurant Draco had made reservations at, they had successfully completed the first stage of the night…
Overcoming initial awkwardness.
Now seated comfortably and having had their drinks poured, they were ready to begin the actual talk.
“So I think we should start with you.”