It was nearing dusk. It was cold outside and the road was deserted except for a few people who were rushing to their houses. They wanted to settle down in their cosy armchairs near the fire place with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. But a person thought different.

A woman was walking towards the main street. She had brown hair and she pulled her red overcoat tightly towards her. She reached a small street and started taking longer strides. She slowed as she came to the end of the lane and finally stopped in front og a gigantic mansion.

She read the nameplate where"Malfoy Manor" was engraved in golden letters. She amiled and went. She straightened her dress and smoothened her hair. She heard a pop sound.

"Miss Granger! Master has been waiting for your arrival" chimed Tinks, the house elf. Hermoine patted the elf on the head and went inside. She passed the huge sitting room and made her way to the massive study. How many times she had been here to finally know her way around this huge mansion without getting lost.

She knocked the door. "Come in" answered a male's voice. She opened the door and flashed a huge grin. A man in his early twenties with blonde hair welcomed her. He was wearing a black pant and black suit. "What took you so long?" he asked. "Malfoy!You know why. They were having Fleur's birthday party in the burrow. It took me a lot of time to convince Ron to let me go and meet Luna." answered Hermoine.

"So that is the excuse you told today."said Malfoy. Hermoine had been lying to Ron and Harry to come and visit Malfoy once a week. "Oh! What manners i have!.exclaimed Malfoy. He snapped his finger and in an instant Binx, the elf came. "Take Miss Granger's coat and bring us a cup of .... What would you like Granger?" asked Malfoy.

"Umm....Butterbeer?"

"Of course. Binx, bring us two glasses of butterbeer and check if diner is ready." said Malfoy. The elf took Hermoine's coat and vanished. Malfoy looked at her in awe. She had worn a red strapless free flowing dress. That simple dress loked dashing and elegant on her. It took sometime to tear his eyes of her.

"So the redhead has started ordering you around even before you guys are married?"asked. Hermoine realized that he was not joking."He was doubtful as he saw that i was going somewhere on and off. Any person in his place will be suspicious of me." said Hermoine. Ron,marriage were topics which were uncomfortable. So she changed the topic."Why did you call me all dressed up here?"she asked in a way as though she already knew. "I'll tell you."said Draco.

Binx popped up and announced that the dinner was ready. They went and Hermoine was awestruck. The whole room was illuminated with candles. A large spread was laid out in the middle.

Both of them sat. Before Draco could say anything, Hermoine replied "I'ts our 50th meet. I never expected that you will remember this." Draco was confused. How did Hermoine remember this? Was it so important for her to remember? A quite voice inside him said she remembers for the same reason you do.

"Accio bag"she said and got a box out of it. She gave it to him as a gift. She went near him as he opened it. She gasped. He saw that there was a scarf. On the red background were the words,

Hermoine Jean Granger

in gold. "Oh my god!!exclaimed Draco" Hermoine got worried. What if he didn't like it. What if he thought.... Her thoughts floated away. Draco calmly gave her a box. She opened and gasped.On the green background were the words

Draco Malfoy

In silver. None of them spoke. They ate a silent dinner. A lavish dinner like this was common to Draco bou not Hermoine. She never knew that such dishes existed. After dinner they went to the garden to have a stroll. "Thank you for the present. It was lovely."said Draco. "Thank you too. The gift was thoughtful."said Hermoine.

"Did you like this evening with me?"asked Draco. Hermoine turned to him and said "This was the best day in my life. No exaggeration" Draco smiled and led the way. They came to the bench near The fountain and sat.

"Would you like to have this sort of experience every day in your existance?"he asked quitely. "Yes. But how can i come here everyd..." She stopped midway. She understood what Draco meant. She turned to him. He took her face in his palms and brought it closer. He stopped fir a few moments.

They were sharing the same breath. A voice echoed in Hermoine's head Stop doing this. This is absurd. Don't forget Ron. Draco is trying to confuse you. Another small voice said Wasn't this the time you were waiting for? This sounds right. This confusion is good.

To Hermoine the latter sounded senseless and stupid. That was why she followed it. The distance between them reduced to zero.

The only sounds heard were the water splashing and the rythemic beat of their hearts snd their lips smacking. After a few moments of bliss, Draco let go.

"I have to return"said Hermoine as though she didn't want to. The got up and wrnt inside. Hermoine got her jacket and her bag. She folded the scarf Draco gave her and kept it in her pocket. She gave him a friendly hug and murmmered in his ear"Thank you"

Draco's mind was racing. Why did she say thanks?For the invitation?The dinner?The gift?The stroll?or the.....

Hermoine was also confused. Why did i say that?for dinner?gift?or the....

At the same time a voice echoed in both their minds.

The latter.