The next morning, the Golden Trio got up and ready for the day. "It's Saturday." Harry commented, "No classes for today and tomorrow. You two have plans?"

"I don't, no." Ron nodded, "Hermione?"

"Um, after breakfast, I wanted to go get some new clothes from the town. I already asked the professors, they didn't care, so long as we're back before sunset." She responded.

"What happened to your old clothes?" Ron asked.

"I grew out of them, or they got too raggedy. And I need a dress for the Yule Ball next month." She responded.

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Harry smiled.

Once out at the town, the Golden Trio went through a couple stores, and finally, reached a dress and tuxedo store. "We'll look at tuxes, you go pick out a dress." Harry grinned.

"Meet back here in say... an hour?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, that's fine." Ron nodded, the trio going their own way. Ron and Harry went to the tuxedo area, and Hermione went to the dresses.

As they shopped, Hermione ran into Draco. "Hey, Draco? Might I ask for your opinion?" She asked.

"Um, sure?" He responded, glancing at her. "Whatever for?"

She looked at the blonde Slytherin. "Um, well, I'm trying to find a dress for the Yule Ball, but the ones I've seen are either too revealing, or just not me." She explained, "I figured you would have an opinion."

"Yeah, I'll help. I'm not that rude, just don't tell anyone." Draco stated, "Now, is there like a specific color or design you want?"

"Color, no. Design, not really either. I want something simple, but beautiful, and something that suits me." She explained.

"I can do that. In my opinion, I personally believe pink, periwinkle, and purple suit you best." He stated. "So, we'll start there, find an option that suits you, see if you like it."

Within an hour, Hermione went to go pay for a stunning lavender  purple dress, that had some lace, and matching gloves, and heels. "Alright, your total is $110.90." The cashier stated.

"Bloody hell... I only have $80.70." Hermione sighed.

"Allow me." Draco stated, paying for her items.

"Am I seeing this right? Draco bloody Malfoy is helping Hermione?" Ron gasped.

"Is that all, Granger?" Draco inquired.

"I.. yes, that-that's everything. Thank you, Draco." Hermione stated. Draco gave her a smirk, and walked out of the store with his own tuxedo.

Back at Hogwarts, Ron and Harry pulled Hermione aside. "Hermione, what's going on with you and Malfoy? You've been ogling him, and he, shockingly, paid for your dress, gloves, and heels." Ron asked.

"What? No, noth-nothing is going on!" Hermione protested.

"Hermione, if you like him, no shame in that." Harry comforted. 

Hermione thought for a second, before sighing, "Okay, fine... I may have acquired feelings for Malfoy."

"That's great! If you two end up courting, I'll support you!" Harry beamed.

"I suppose I will too, only if he doesn't break your heart." Ron relented.

"I.. Thank you." Hermione smiled, a relieved sigh escaping her.