Obsession

Hermione came back to the Daily Prophet still fuming about Ron.
"What a stupid git ... selfish ... stupid ... stupid... git!" she said talking to herself. "He has no consideration of people's feelings whatsoever!" she said pacing around her office.
"I don't know why we've been friends for so long! He always pisses me off!" she added. She wondered about this for a long time now. They always bickered and were known for it since Hogwarts. Even after 5 years they continued to argue.
Her thoughts were interrupted as an owl flew in through her window. It was a letter from Draco.

[]Dear Hermione,

I'm so glad you said yes to our date. It means a lot that you have faith in me. I can't wait to see you. I have a special date planned for tonight at a restaurant in Hogsmead that I reserved. It's at 8 pm. Please owl back saying you confirm. I can't wait to see you again.

Love,
Draco[]

Hermione closed the letter and blushed. It's been a long time since she went on a date. It's been a while since anybody has called her beautiful too. She was lucky if Harry and Ron said anything remotely close to that.
"That's sweet," she said as she noticed that he wrote 'love' by his name. She took a piece of parchment giving her approval and sent it on its way. She's really excited about her date now.
"Nadine! I'm going home early. I'm done everything anyway. Just say that I don't feel well okay?" Before Nadine could answer Hermione was out the door.

Hermione was enjoying her date with Malfoy with a passion. Never has anyone been so romantic towards her. He picked her up at her doorstep in an elegant carriage and it took them to the restaurant in Hogsmead that made Hermione shocked at what she saw.
The whole place was reserved just for the two of them. There were waiters with platters of food already laid on their hands, floating lit candles that set off a romantic light and a special table set right in the middle. Never has anyone gone through so much trouble for her. She was loving every moment of it.
"It isn't too much?" Draco asked? He lifted her hand and escorted her to the table.
"No! This is perfect Draco. Thank you so much," she said breathlessly.
"Seems like no one has ever done anything like this for you before," he said. Hermione looked at him. It was like he read her mind. Her expression must have been obvious because he continued quickly.
"It's just you're expression looked so surprised and shocked," he added. Hermione blushed.
"Well ... You're right. No one has ever done anything like this for me. Nothing remotely close." Ron automatically entered her mind.

"Then whoever wooed you before me are complete fools," he said proudly. Hermione smiled.
"I suppose so." They were then served with dinner. A delicious dinner it was too. The night was just getting better and better. Hermione didn't know why she was still shocked by this but she can't get over of how much of a gentleman Draco was. He was so refined and sweet. She couldn't stop staring at his sweet face. Those cold grey eyes that she once remembered were no longer icy. They were warm, full of compassion.
They talked the night away. They shared many stories, laughs and they reminisced. She was astonished to find that Draco understood her well. He spoke of his advice to her like he knew her all this time ... like he was part of the group that consisted of her, Ron and Harry. She figured this was the best nights she ever had then, she pondered guiltily on that thought. She didn't want to put Ron and Harry down but she was starting to think that he could be better company that Ron ..... wait Ron AND Harry.

The night ended sweetly by him dropping her off at her house. He kept his gentleman posture all night and Hermione was grateful She could tell though that he was itching to kiss her goodnight. She didn't know if she really wanted that from him but she willing to give him a try. Dinner was great so the kiss should be too.
"Good night Hermione," he said, "it really was a great night".
"It was lovely Draco. I've really never had this much fun in a long time," she said blushingly. As they reached her door Draco grabbed her hand gently. Hermione turned to face him and his eyes were directly looking into hers. He drew his face in and Hermione kept her place. Draco tilted his head and gently placed his lips on hers. It was a long kiss and Hermione didn't know what to think. She did consider him a very good kisser but something was missing.
Draco smiled as he pulled away and without another word they gazed at each other and he left. Hermione waited until he turned the corner before she entered her home.
She was trying to run the whole date in her head as she closed the door. She ran the thoughts in her head but without that much enjoyment. She admitted that it was a perfect night but something was not fulfilling her.
Yes he was a gentleman. Yes he was good-looking and yes he has changed. But she just doesn't feel that chemistry between them. There was no passion. She thought it could have been something but she was wrong.
"I'm sorry Draco," was the last words she said before she fell asleep.