A New Experience

Hermione and Draco appeared in an alleyway that was full of trash.

"Lovely place," Draco commented, his eyes scanning the area.

"Ha-ha. Not there yet, stupid," Hermione rolled her eyes as she crept towards the corner of the alleyway and peered around the corner. "Okay, it's clear. Follow me."

"Yes, ma'am," he smirked as he followed.

She turned around and glared at him. "Smart-aleck," she muttered.

They walked down the street to a block that was full of apartment buildings. The area was a little run-down but had a homey feel to it, which Draco liked. He'd definitely never lived somewhere like this, with all the places he lived being full of snooty people.

Hermione pointed ahead. "It's this building right over here."

He followed, resembling a lost puppy, directly behind, instead of next to her. They walked up a pathway to the back of her building, where there was a flight of stairs that led up four stories.

"I'm on the third floor," she told him and bounded up the steps.

The land around them was lovely. There was a small park next to her building with a couple of benches and a swingset. The sun was setting, a brilliant shade of orange and red.

Now on the third floor, they stood at the only apartment on the left side of the staircase, and Hermione pulled out her wand to open the door.

"Home sweet home," she announced as she flung her work bag down on the table next to the door and walked over to the couch in the living room across from it. It seemed to be an everyday routine.

Draco took in the surroundings. This was where Hermione Granger lived, and he noticed many things that suggested her presence. Crookshanks, her cat, was still alive, for one thing. A Gryffindor flag was pinned to the wall, and she had one of those badges pinned to the fabric that he remembered her wearing in school: S.P.E.W., though he never understood what it meant. A bottle of hair potion was sitting on the table, which made him chuckle.

He followed her to the couch and sat, feeling apprehensive again. He hadn't been alone with another woman like this in a long time, even if it was just Granger. The nervous expression on his face made Hermione laugh.

"What's got you so worried? It's just a movie, I won't bite." She stood up from her spot and walked over to the kitchen.

The wall of the living room blocked the view of the kitchen but he could hear the noises. It sounded like she was getting some glasses and making...popcorn? He shook his head. It felt good, not being pressured into anything. No one had ever done that with him.

A moment later she was back and carrying two bottles of beer along with a bowl of popcorn. This truly was informal and meant to be an enjoyable night.

Sitting on the other end of the couch, Hermione pulled her legs up underneath her to get comfortable.

"Now, what do you want to watch? I have loads of movies, it's actually a bit pathetic."

She pulled out her wand and pointed it at a cupboard on the side of the television. It opened, and with a flick of the wand, each movie flew out into the air, revealing the cover. Draco sat forward trying to read each title.

"Choose one!" She said after minutes of silence.

"Oh, right, sorry," Draco laughed nervously. "Let's do...Slumdog Millionaire."

She flicked her wand. The movie he chose stayed in the air while the cupboard doors closed. Another flick and the movie flew to the DVD player, the TV turning on. Flick again, pressing play. She turned off the lights and pushed her legs out on top of the coffee table in front of them. With the popcorn between them, she handed Draco a beer.