Disclaimer: I don't own JK's Wizarding World nor any of her characters and I don't make any money from this.

So initially this started out as a small one shot. Now it's a 10k monster about to be turned into a multi-chapter. Not sure how many though. Thanks, brain.

However, I do kind of love it when that happens.

So enjoy! =)

Stride of Pride

Why did she let herself be talked into this? She was not in the mood for this. If Angelina hadn't mentioned her plans for tonight and the reason for them she wouldn't even have noticed the date. Now, however, thanks to the elaborate plans George Weasley had come up with to impress his wife she was on a mission to make her single friends just as happy as herself. Even if that meant a last-minute blind date. Fucking Valentine's Day.

She should be relieved that Angelina usually avoided setting her up with anyone. That was something she kept on retainer for the others. But somehow she was so excited that Hermione had let herself be convinced to give this blind dating thing a try. Angelina had told her absolutely nothing about her male companion for the evening other than he used to play Quidditch at Hogwarts.

She hadn't even tried to guess who it could be. There had been a lot of guys who played Quidditch at Hogwarts. Angelina hadn't even told her which house he had been in so there were even more possibilities. She was quite certain it was no one from Slytherin. Although the public view of the Green House had improved over the years she just couldn't imagine Angelina would set her up with one of the snakes.

That was all she allowed herself to speculate about her date. She actually wanted to be surprised. If she agreed to this she wanted it to be a true blind date.

But before all that Hermione had indeed tried to get out of it. Using various techniques and excuses but Angelina had been relentless and she had finally agreed to at least try it.

Her friendship with Angelina had been surprising for everyone in their circle. After her breakup with Ron six years ago Hermione had found a very good listener in George's wife. They had gone out for drinks frequently and had grown quite close. Now they had a standing lunch date once a week and an evening just to drink and talk every two weeks, sometimes more often. Their friendship was one of the reasons she had eventually agreed to the date.

Hermione did not feel lonely, at least not that often. After Ron, there had only been three guys she had tried to date for a longer period but none of them had lasted. In between, there had been the occasional one-night stands but they had left her feeling used. She had tried to avoid them but sometimes she was just craving good sex. Although actually getting good sex was another matter entirely.

She didn't really like staying over and having to walk around in her clothes from the night before just to find a remote spot to apparate. It wasn't that she was unable to transfigure her clothes, she was a witch after all. It was more the fact that doing so changed the molecular structure of them and they felt wrong and looked weird after. She would know. It was, after all, part of the topic of her most recent Transfiguration paper.

So even witches had to walk home in their outfits from the night before. Talk about a walk of shame. It wasn't really that she herself felt it was embarrassing. Mostly it was just the way it was looked at. Although she didn't really care what people were thinking about her, the stigma that accompanied the notion of a one night stand always seemed to make her feel embarrassed.

Most of all it was how men, especially Ron, reacted every time he accidentally found out about it. Those disapproving looks and the patronizing comments he used to drop always made her feel bad about herself and what she had done. She usually got mad at herself first and then at Ron. She wasn't sure why she gave him so much power over her. It was her life and her decision to have sex whenever she wanted. Why was it so horrible for women to do that? Whenever a man had a one night stand he was clapped on the back and congratulated. No one would make him feel ashamed about being seen in the same clothes or for having had sex with a stranger. Merlin, she hated that.

It wasn't even that she was expecting sex from the date tonight. Not in the least although it had been a while for her so if they clicked she likely would go home with him. She just had to make sure Ron wouldn't find out.

Just that thought annoyed her. Why did she have to be careful about who would find out about it? It was ridiculous. Fucking double standard.

Well, it didn't matter right now. She had about an hour left before she would meet her mysterious date for dinner. She had already showered and done her hair. Over the years she had finally managed to tame her curls in a way she was comfortable with. She still kept the wildness about them but it now looked intended and if she was honest, kind of hot. She was proud of her hair now.

All that was left was to decide what to wear and how much make-up to put on. She had to consider what she wanted at the end of the evening. If she was having sex she didn't want to go overboard and look like a drowned panda the next morning. But going completely without didn't really struck her fancy either.

She decided on a high waist pleated leather skirt and a dark green blouse tucked into it. She added patterned stockings, high heeled ankle boots and a coat and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She did look good. Since she was bold with her clothes she decided on very plain make-up. Just to cover her little imperfections and highlight her eyes a little.

Nodding again at herself in the mirror she went into the kitchen to have a calming cup of tea. She still had half an hour left and she actually felt a little excited. Maybe it wasn't so bad having a date tonight.

She probably would have spent this Valentine's Day in front of her TV with a glass of wine and would have completed her evening with her vibrator. Maybe her date was hot, charming and good in bed. That would, in fact, be a perfect evening. The more she fantasized about the evening the more she was in the mood for it. She chuckled to herself. It was never how she imagined it but nonetheless, she was starting to look forward to it.

Glancing at her watch she noted that it was ten minutes till she had to meet him. She got up and cleaned her cup.

They were supposed to meet at a new restaurant just around the corner of the Leaky Cauldron. She really liked the fact that Angelina had decided on a muggle restaurant. She just hoped her date felt the same way.

Five minutes. She grabbed her purse, checked herself once more in the mirror and stepped outside her apartment. Warding it she thought about her expectations once more before leaving her building and apparating to the corner of the Leaky.

She entered the restaurant with three minutes to spare and looked around. It was a slightly more fancy establishment than she had expected. Angelina had told her that she had reserved a table for them. Just then she was approached by a waiter.

"Good evening, Miss. Do you have a reservation?"

"Hi, yes, I think it's under Weasley for two?"

He checked the little book he had conjured up and nodded.

"Yes, here it is. If you would please follow me."

He turned around and Hermione was led to a small table in the back.

"Here you go, Miss. Would you like a glass of champagne on the house?" The waiter asked her while snapping his finger to light up the lone candle in the middle of the table.

"Not yet, thank you. I would like to wait for my date."

He nodded and left her to settle down. She took off her coat and put it on the back of her chair. She let her gaze wander through the room.

It was a very nice place. Darkened to give it that romantic atmosphere because of the blasted holiday but other than that it looked very nice.

She hoped her date wouldn't be late. First impressions were very important and tardiness was something Hermione despised. She looked down at her watch and noted that it was eight o'clock on the dot.

"Here you go, Sir."

The waiter had returned with her date just on time. She looked up with a smile and noticed he was holding an orange rose. She felt a jolt of pleasure at his thoughtfulness. When she finally reached his face however, her smile froze to a grimace because she recognized who it was.

"Oh hell no!" She said without thinking.

"No fucking way!" her date exclaimed at the same time.

The waiter was caught in between them looking from one to the other like he was watching a tennis match.

"Uh…would you…uh like champagne…on the house?"

When he received no immediate answer because his two customers were locked in a staring contest he slowly retreated and murmured, "I'll just…uh, bring two glasses."

"What was she thinking?" Hermione asked annoyed.

"Yeah, that's what I'd like to know." He answered although he didn't sound irritated like her.

Again there was silence. Hermione was contemplating how to proceed. She wasn't sure a nice evening was still in the cards now but she couldn't help but feel curious about the man standing in front of her.

She hadn't seen him in since that Ministry party seven years ago and she was loathe to admit that he had managed to become even more handsome. That bastard. It should be illegal to be this good looking. He had lost his boyish looks she remembered from school although he still had that damn smirk plastered on his face. She didn't know how that was possible. He was just as shocked as she was but managed to look amused.

He had his hair styled away from his face. Short at the sides and longer on top. It made him seem wicked and unfortunately very hot. He had a slight beard which made him look older and a little rough. She could see his muscled arms underneath his button down. His trousers fit like a glove and she caught herself wishing she could see him from the back. She blinked.

"Oh, what the hell. Sit down, McLaggen. We might as well give it a shot since we're both here."

He raised his eyebrows surprised but sat down without protest. Damn those eyebrows. That movement had drawn her attention to his eyes. They were a beautiful shade of green.

"I brought you something." He smoothly handed her the rose.

"Uh…thank you, McLaggen." She stared at it for a second. "Interesting colour. Beautiful, but unusual."

"Do you know the meaning of the colour?" He wanted to know.

Hermione Granger knew lots of things. Unfortunately, the meaning of flowers and their colours were something she never really paid attention to.

"Honestly? I have no idea."

"Something Hermione Granger doesn't know?" He said teasingly but didn't elaborate further.

She rolled her eyes and shrugged not gracing him with an answer. She was still distracted by his eyes. They were so deep at the moment and she knew she could get lost in them.

What the hell was wrong with her? She was almost frothing at the mouth just looking at him. She cleared her throat and tried to think of something else to say.

Just then the waiter returned with their two glasses of champagne and delivered them with impressive speed. She had the distinct feeling he was trying to get away as fast as possible. She didn't blame him. The tension between McLaggen and herself was almost palpable.

"When Angelina told me about my mysterious date I did not expect it to be you." He started with a laugh.

She couldn't help but chuckle, too. "That was quite obvious, for us both."

He rubbed his neck. He looked almost sheepish. It was adorable.

The fuck? What was going on with her? Since when did she think of Cormac McLaggen as adorable? He hadn't ever been anything even remotely like that. But then again she remembered him from seven years ago…although more like nine years ago. She had managed to avoid him at that Ministry party so her memories were actually back from school. He could have changed right? She had. But she was getting ahead of herself.

She had already decided to give this a shot and he seemed to be willing too. She grabbed her glass and held it out toward him. He looked startled for a moment but then followed suit, grabbing his own and clinking it to hers.

"To making the best of this." She joked and took a sip.

He laughed and mimicked her. He had a nice laugh. It was slightly rough and very dark. Just like his voice. She couldn't remember his voice being this deep. It was like he had the perfect pitch to make everything he had said so far vibrate through her.

She couldn't wrap her head around how different her reactions were to him. She had never in a million years expected her date to be him of all people. Let alone her body's reactions to him. She felt warmth pool in her stomach.

"I think…hm…I have to start by addressing the elephant in the room." He sounded serious now.

"Oh? What do you mean? The fact that we are both going to strangle Angelina?" She responded with a laugh.

He chuckled but then shook his head.

"After that first shock of seeing you, I can say that I'm the opposite of disappointed, to be honest. About you being my mystery date I mean."

She frowned but chose to stay silent, not sure how to take his statement.

"However, what I actually meant was how…I treated you back in school. I was…well…" he drifted off, unsure how to voice what he was thinking.

"…a pompous arse?" She finished for him with a smirk.

He stared at her for a second then let out a dark laugh.

"Well, yeah. I know it probably means nothing to you now and seems insincere. But I shouldn't have treated you like that back in school. I was disrespectful and ignorant and I am really very sorry…I truly mean that."

She eyed him unsure of how to answer. If she was honest with herself she had held a grudge because of his advances back then. Yes, she had asked him to Slughorn's party and yes, she had used him to try to make Ron jealous but she had realized pretty quickly that she didn't really want him to do anything. When he had caught her underneath the mistletoe and proceeded to kiss her even after she had tried to push him off she had been furious. After she had finally got him to step back from her he had followed her around trying to get her into a dark corner although she had repeatedly told him that she didn't want to.

She had felt guilty at first because of course, he would think that she wanted more she had asked him out, after all. But after a while, she thought that no matter what she had told him or how she had treated him No meant No and he had ignored that. Which was difficult to forgive.

Hearing him apologize now after all this time actually did mean something. It had been nine years ago. They had both been young and stupid. It was only fair to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe he actually meant his apology. Maybe he had learned and changed. He did sound sincere.

"Thank you, McLaggen. I think I actually needed to hear that. So it actually does mean something to me."

He let out a breath. She didn't realize he had been this concerned about her reaction but it made her feel better about her response.

"And I accept. Let's just put it behind us and get to know each other as two people on a blind date are supposed to." She smiled at him and it widened when he returned it and his eyes sparkled.

They both took another sip of their champagne. The waiter chose this moment to return with their menus. It seemed like he had waited for the worst to pass between them.

"Have you been here before?" She asked McLaggen while opening her menu.

"Yeah, once before. With George and Angelina coincidentally. They make a mean garlic bread here."

"With cheese?" She looked up.

"What kind of question is that even. Of course with cheese." He rolled his eyes at her and she threw him a dirty look.

They turned back to their respective menus and stayed silent for a little while. Each lost to their own thoughts…and different dishes.

Ten minutes later their waiter returned. He seemed to be wary about how the mood at their table would be. Had they been that bad?

"Are you ready to order?"

McLaggen looked at her questioningly and she nodded.

"I'll have the Pasta with salmon and basil and a glass of Riesling. Oh and I'd like the garlic bread as a starter…with cheese." She added throwing McLaggen a daring look. He just smiled at her.

"Garlic bread for two please and I'll have the Filet Mignon with red and green peppers. You can surprise me with a glass of semi-dry red, thank you." He finished and handed the waiter his menu. After collecting Hermione's he left their table again.

She wasn't sure how to feel about this date yet. She did want to give it a try but she wasn't sure where this evening would lead.

"I saw the article you published in Transfiguration Today. I have to say I was really impressed. Especially since you're working as a barrister, right? How come you have these completely different fields in your life?" He asked her out of nowhere.

Hermione blinked at him surprised. She was astonished that he knew about that. She hadn't really paid that much attention to his life. She didn't even know what he worked as. She cleared her throat.

"It's a balance I need in my life. Transfiguration is like my sanctuary. I love to experiment with objects. Expanding the limits is fascinating and calms me down after a stressful day in court. However, I also love the adrenaline I feel when I'm presenting a case and manoeuvring through paragraphs and laws. I know it sounds boring but I think it's exhilarating." She paused.

He had watched her closely while she was talking almost like he was studying her. She didn't know if she hated it or felt flattered. He was leaning forward with one of his elbows propped up on the table and his index finger and thumb pressed against his face. He looked captivated…and really handsome.

She decided to tease him a little.

"Did you understand the article, at all?"

He dropped the hand from his face and looked at her slightly insulted.

"Hey, I'm not stupid. I did manage an O in Transfiguration back in school. It was actually my best subject."

Now she felt bad. She had had no idea about that. It wasn't like they had talked about their academics back then. She decided to tell him just that.

"You're right, sorry. But it's true. I love Transfiguration, too. Which is why I was so intrigued by your article."

Then he proceeded to ask her one question after another about it and they were soon lost in a heated debate about the merits of Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration and how it had evolved over time.

They were drawn out of their discussion when their waiter brought the garlic bread. It smelled delicious and they both started eating.

"You sound really happy when you talk about Transfiguration. You look it, too. Your eyes are sparkling, it's kind of distracting, to be honest." He said in between bites.

When he smiled the skin around his eyes crinkled. She hadn't noticed that before. Another thing that made him more handsome.

She blushed and cursed herself inwardly for her reaction. Deciding to ignore the compliment she waved her handy dismissively.

"What about you? I have to confess…I don't know what you do for a living. Has it something to do with Transfiguration, since you're so good at it?"

"Unfortunately no." he sighed. "I work at the Ministry."

"You do? How come I've never seen you in the halls?"

He grimaced. "Probably because we're in completely different departments."

"You make it sound like it's such a bad one. Are you in a subdivision of the archives?" She joked.

He laughed.

"No, it's not that bad. It's just different from what I imagined it to be. I'm in the Department of Magical Sports and Games."

"Well, that's actually fitting. I mean you liked to play Quidditch, right? Why aren't you happy there?"

"It's just…not what I had expected. I don't feel challenged or even that passionate about it, to be honest. It's not like back when I played the sport."

"Have you thought about doing something different?… What do you want to do?"

He looked at her like he wasn't sure if he could trust her with his answer.

"Come on, McLaggen. Spit it out. I won't laugh, I promise." She smiled at him and reached across the table to put her hand on top of his.

When she touched him they both looked down at the contact. Had he felt that, too? It was like a warmth was spreading through her. That was weird. She pulled her hand back almost too quickly.

"I want to teach."

His statement was hanging between them for a few seconds.

"So why don't you?"

His eyes met hers and he frowned.

"What, no mocking me? Telling me I have no business teaching young minds with my inflated ego?" He said it jokingly but she noticed the bitterness hidden underneath.

"McLaggen-…"

"Cormac." He interrupted her.

"What?"

"My name. Cormac. Please stop calling me by my last name, Hermione." He smiled at her and again she blushed. Dammit! Why couldn't her brain function properly?

"Oh…right, Cormac…uh, right. Well, if you had told me about that, say half an hour ago I would've definitely said all those things. But now…I'm getting the feeling that you put your bragging days behind you. At least the obnoxiousness of it." She shrugged. "I don't think there's anything wrong with knowing your strengths and being proud of them…I'm going to make a guess and say that you want to teach Transfiguration?" She waited for his nod. "Well, then go do that."

"It's not that easy. You need an apprenticeship to be allowed to teach eventually and I wouldn't even know where to begin."

"Are you shitting me right now? Are you or are you not Cormac McLaggen? You sound like a whipped puppy. You always went after what you wanted, even if these things…or people didn't want you."

He grimaced at that last statement but she ignored him.

"You want to teach? Then go find yourselves that apprenticeship and get your Mastery. What the hell is stopping you? What are you afraid of?"

He stared at her bewildered.

"I'm not sure. Maybe I needed a beautiful witch to yell at me to get my shit together." He told her in a low voice with a wink.

She blinked. "Stop flattering me."

"Why? We are on a date. It's common courtesy to compliment your date. Especially if she is indeed gorgeous." This time he reached across the table to take her hand.

She didn't know what to say. She had grown more confident about herself and especially her looks over the years. But still, it wasn't often that she was complimented. She found herself enjoying it. His hand on top of hers felt warm and slightly calloused.

She looked at their hands and was blushing again. It didn't help that he was aware of how she reacted to him.

They were interrupted by their meals arriving and he let go of her hand. She caught herself feeling slightly disappointed at the loss.

They ate their dinner mostly in silence with the occasional pleasant conversation in between.

She had to admit that she was actually enjoying his company. He was still cocky but it was charming now. He wasn't too forward anymore and actually listened to her.

"So, how come you were free on Valentine's Day? I mean you're successful, brilliant and beautiful. Why are you alone?" He inquired after the waiter had taken their empty plates with him.

She sighed and took a sip of her wine.

"I am all that…I am also stubborn and very busy. I don't feel alone." At his raised eyebrow she bristled but amended her statement. "Fine…I don't feel alone often. Additionally, I really don't like Valentine's Day. I think it's ridiculous to feel obligated to share your feelings on one particular day. Why not do it all year or I don't know in the middle of June or something like that. Why put a date on love?"

"So…you're not into romance?"

"Of course I like romance. I'm a woman after all. But I don't like the pressure of this holiday or anything too cheesy for that matter. If Angelina hadn't told me about what George had planned tonight and her insistence that I should have something nice, too today, I would be on my couch right now." She shrugged not sure why she was being so honest with him.

"So I shouldn't have brought you the rose?"

"Of course you should have…wait, no! I didn't mean it like that. I wasn't expecting it but it was a very thoughtful gesture. So thank you, again. I really like it." She looked at the rose on the table. She needed to find out what the colour meant.

"It? The rose…or the date?" He wanted to know.

She met his eyes and couldn't look away.

"The rose…and the date."

His answering smile was brilliant and again he reached across the table and took her hand. He was stroking over her knuckles and she got goosebumps.

"I'm glad to hear it. I'm enjoying myself very much, too."

They gazed into each other's eyes and Hermione found herself fantasizing about the rest of the evening.

Could she give in to her body's reactions? This whole evening she had been blushing and stumbling over her word like a damn school girl. She felt warm whenever their eyes met or even if he smiled at her. It always reached his eyes and they tended to look like a beautiful green liquid inviting her to dive in deep. Not once had she felt insulted or bored or made fun of. It was refreshing especially because she had such a different picture of him in her mind.

She moved her gaze down to his lips. All evening she had unconsciously watched his mouth move and somewhere inside her, she wanted to know what it would feel like to have his lips on hers. To taste him and feel is warmth. To have his hands buried in her hair. To have hers stroking his neck.

They had drawn closer above the small table and she caught him glancing down to her mouth. He wanted this, too.

"Would you like to order dessert?"

The voice of their waiter drew them back to reality and they sat back in their chairs. They did not let go of their hands, however.

Cormac looked just as annoyed as she was feeling. She threw a withering stare at the interruption standing beside their table and shook her head indicating that she didn't want anything. Cormac eyed her for a few seconds in silence.

"Actually, we would like the bill, please."

Hermione raised her eyebrows while the waiter left.

"Oh, are we leaving?" She couldn't keep a slightly disappointed note out of her voice.

It had been a nice evening but it had also been a short one so far. She didn't want to go home yet, to be honest.

"Yes, we are. I want to take you somewhere else." He winked at her having noticed her disappointment. She was surprised he wasn't teasing her about it.

"Oh, okay. Where are we going?"

"As if I would tell you. It's a surprise. You'll have to be patient."

She puffed out an annoyed breath but nodded. She understood that. Although she had told him about her stance on Valentine's Day it did indeed feel good to be surprised and spoiled a little.

When the waiter returned he let go of her hand and she reached for her purse. She hated this moment. Every. Freaking. Time. Who would pay? Was it audacious to expect the man to pay every time? Was it a crime against feminism to let him pay? Was it insulting to him if she paid?

"What are you doing? Put your money away. You don't expect me to let you pay tonight, do you? Hermione, please. It's a date." He told her while settling their bill with muggle money.

She blushed but put her purse away again.

"Sorry. I just never know what to do in those moments. I don't expect the guy to pay and I always feel a little guilty when he does."

"It's my pleasure. Don't ever feel guilty when I do something for you. I wouldn't do it if I didn't want to and you have the right to let yourself be treated to something nice." He winked at her. "If it were up to me, more often than not."

"Thank you." She still felt a little embarrassed about it but nodded. She did notice how he talked as if this would not be a one-time thing.

"Are you ready to leave?" He asked her cocking his head to the side.

He looked adorable and she nodded, getting up. He helped her into her coat and she felt flattered.

When they stepped out of the restaurant he took her hand and squeezed lightly.

He was tall. Standing in her heels beside him, her eyes were at the same height as his neck. She felt a flutter in her abdomen. Merlin, she loved this height difference. She looked up at him and his eyes were that mesmerizing colour again. Her brain took a break.

"Are you okay with side-along?" He murmured.

She blinked several times before nodding. He smirked and pulled her close to him. Their bodies pressing together. Her nose was almost touching his neck. He smelled delicious. A mix of leather, cedar wood and something spicy.

"By the way…" he moved his mouth right beside her ear and his voice sent a shiver through her. "You look absolutely stunning." And with that, he spun them into the darkness.

He didn't let go of her when they landed. She was glad about it because even after years of practice, apparition especially side-along was uncomfortable and disorienting.

"You okay?" He asked her quietly.

After a moment she nodded and pulled back slightly to look up at him. They were so close. If she stretched up now she would be able to kiss him and his glance down to her lips told her he had had the same thought.

Before she could move however he took a little step back but kept hold of her hand. She groaned internally but took the opportunity to look at their surroundings.

They were still in London, that much she could tell because she recognized the corner. She didn't know why he would bring them here, however. There was nothing about this area that she remembered being interesting. She shivered unconsciously only wearing a light coat in February.

The next moment she felt a warmth spread over her and she snapped her head back to Cormac who was in the process of putting his wand away. He had applied a warming charm to her.

"Thank you, Cormac." She smiled at him. "So, do I get to know where you're taking me now?"

"Almost…come on." He pulled her with him gently and started walking towards the street to her left. She was really curious now.

They were silent while walking side by side. She let her mind drift off again. The feeling of his hand in hers was really nice. It felt…right, walking with him through the city. They fit together like this. She could actually see them doing this more often. Strolling through a park or down the street, like any normal couple.

Woah, hold up. A Couple?! She was getting way ahead of herself. She hadn't even kissed him yet and her brain was already thinking about a relationship. This was still Cormac McLaggen. No matter how nice or charming he had behaved this evening she was still a little wary. Although the more time she spent with him the less suspicious she became.

Everything he had done so far had felt sincere and nice. He hadn't given her any reason to think he would go back to his bad behaviour from back then.

She was so deep in thought that she was unprepared for when he stopped suddenly and she almost stumbled over her own feet. Thankfully, he caught her and pulled her close to his side again. She looked up at him sheepishly but used the opportunity to inhale more of his delicious scent.

"With your head in the clouds?" He chuckled and winked at her. "I got you." He put his other hand on her cheek and stroked it tenderly. But before she could even think about kissing him, he dropped it again and motioned for her to look at the storefront they had stopped at.

It was an ice cream parlour. One she had never noticed before although she frequently visited this area.

"An ice cream parlour?" She echoed her thoughts out loud.

"Not any ice cream parlour. The best one there is. I've been coming here for more than five years. They make their ice cream from scratch. It's truly the best I've tasted so far."

Her eyes were sparkling.

"I love ice cream." She whispered amazed.

"I know. Angelina might have mentioned it once or twice. Actually, that was one of the only things she told me about you. The fact that we went to school at the same time and that you loved nothing more than ice cream…well, now that I know it's you…you probably still love books more." He added teasingly.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't disagree with him. Although over the years she had pulled back on her obsession with books she still loved reading very much. But he was right. She had discovered her love for ice cream a couple years back. Never having been allowed to indulge when she was younger she took advantage of her freedom now.

"Can we go inside?" She asked excitedly.

He laughed and nodded. "Of course, silly. Why else do you think I brought you here?"

She squealed and kissed him on the cheek without thinking. Then proceeded to move forward pulling him with her. She didn't notice his dumbstruck face because she was too focused on the display she found in front of her when they entered.

"Cormac, dear. I was wondering when you would grace us with your presence again." An old woman with a strict white bun greeted them from behind the counter. She had an accent Hermione couldn't place immediately. "And you brought someone with you? She is very pretty, well done, boy." She continued, unfazed by the embarrassed look on both Hermione and Cormac's faces. She rested her eyes on their joined hands.

"Yeah, sorry, Marie. I had to work a lot." He rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"You always work a lot, hasn't stopped you before." She threw him a knowing look and then eyed Hermione again. "Hello, dear. My name is Marie Goldberg. I own this humble joint. Cormac here started coming, what? About five years ago? He hasn't stopped since. I always tease him when he's here, so just ignore my comments. What can I get you?" Marie chattered livelily.

"Uh…I'm not sure." She drifted off staring at the different flavours in front of her. Her mind was cataloguing the information she'd just received about Cormac. "What do you recommend?" She asked both of them.

The old lady…Marie stayed silent and looked expectantly to Cormac.

"I really like the chocolate. But the most sought after is without a doubt Waldmeister. "

"I've never heard of that."

"It's from Germany, dear," Marie added. So that's what that accent was.

"I think you English folk call it Woodruff? I brought it with me back when I came to England and I make sure I always have plenty. Cormac's right. It is our most popular flavour."

She chanced a glance at Cormac. He was looking at the display, too but his hand gave her a light squeeze and she felt a warmth spread through her again. That was becoming rather ridiculous.

"Wow, okay. Then…hm, I think I'll try that one. And I would also like a scoop of Mango and Vanilla."

Cormac threw her a glance with a raised eyebrow but didn't comment further on that combination. "I'll take the usual, Marie."

Marie snorted and made herself busy with their orders.

Hermione took the opportunity to look around the little parlour. It was very cosy. Small tables stood in a row against the wall and the decor felt foreign and familiar at the same time. She felt instantly comfortable.

Cormac led her to one of the tiny tables and they sat beside each other, keeping close together. They stayed in comfortable silence just enjoying the moment together. When Marie came and brought them their ice cream they smiled at each other and started eating.

Hermione let out soft moans when the first taste of the unknown ice cream flavour touched her tongue.

"Godric! That tastes heavenly." She exclaimed and looked to her companion. His spoon had halted in midair and his pupils were dilated. She became acutely aware of the noises she had been making and instantly blushed.

Suddenly the tension between them was back but this time there was a different underlying current. She wasn't sure when it had happened, maybe after that almost kiss outside but right now she had no doubt about where she was going to spend her night.

Cormac blinked and his eyes looked normal again…mostly. Marie had disappeared after she had brought them their scoops. They finished their ice cream in silence but still, the tension lingered especially when their eyes met.

Hermione felt warm. Her stomach was in knots. Cormac's looks did interesting things to her lower abdomen and she tried to control her reaction.

"Thank you, for bringing me here, Cormac. This place is amazing and the ice cream was delicious."

"My pleasure, Hermione."

Godric?! What the hell had happened to his voice. It sounded unbelievably rough, sending shivers through her again. This time she knew exactly where to. She felt moisture building between her legs.

"Hey, Marie?" He suddenly called while holding her gaze.

"Yes, Cormac, Darling?" When had Marie come back?

He broke their intense eye contact and got up, putting their empty plates on the counter together with some money.

"Here you go. Thank you for the ice cream, it was as always, delicious."

"Anytime. You two go enjoy the rest of the night. And come visit more often again." Marie smiled and winked at Hermione at that last statement. Then she busied herself behind the counter.

"Bye, Marie!" Cormac called over his shoulder as they left the parlour.

Standing outside in the chilly night she didn't want this evening to end yet. She pulled her coat tighter around her frame but again Cormac noticed and provided her with a warming charm. She smiled at him.

He took her hand again and started walking. Hermione was trying to think of a way to prolong this date. She knew she was attracted to this man. She couldn't explain it and she honestly didn't want to try anymore.

He stopped her suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk. There was nobody around. Probably either still on dates or already enclosed in their apartments.

He spun her around so she was facing him and pulled her close again. His scent enveloped her and she breathed in deeply closing her eyes.

"I never expected this evening to turn out so enjoyable." He murmured.

"Neither did I. Thank you for this." She couldn't help the smile that spread on her face.

He cupped her face with one of his hands stroking her cheekbone and gazing into her eyes. They were so close again. Their faces, their lips almost touching. Their breath mingling and she could feel her anticipation ready to burst.

He seemed to search her gaze for protests. Not finding any he finally bridged the gap between them and pressed his mouth to hers.

The moment their lips met there was a firework behind her closed eyes. He felt soft and warm and tender and enticing, all at the same time. They were moving in sync against each other. Her brain had shut off completely and she was just enjoying the feel of him.

His other hand had released hers and sunk into her curls. He was holding her against him slowly deepening the kiss.

Her own hand had grabbed his wrist softly but now she moved it up his arms snaking it around his neck. He opened his mouth and drew his tongue along her lower lip asking for entrance which she granted immediately.

The moment their tongues met the kiss changed. Where it had begun as a sweet and tender thing it now grew more passionate and harder. Her fingers stroking the back of his neck, grasping the hair at the nape of it and drawing a low groan from him.

His hand had gripped her curls tighter and his other hand moved from her cheek all the way down to her waist.

The kiss was breathtaking. Their tongues engaging in a battle for dominance. She felt her lower abdomen clenching.

She didn't know how long they were standing in the middle of the street just devouring each other's mouths but she needed to come up for air and so she broke the kiss.

He rested his forehead against hers. Both their eyes still closed. Both there breath coming out faster. They were silent for a few moments just basking in the feeling left behind by that kiss.

"I am so glad you ate garlic bread, too." She said into the silence between them.

She opened her eyes to meet his filled with mirth. He let out a bark of laughter and pecked her on the mouth quickly.

They didn't need to say anything. They both knew that kiss had been…for a lack of a better word, magical.

"I can't believe I'm saying this but I don't want this night to end yet," Hermione murmured.

"Then let's not end it." He paused. "You want to come home with me, maybe have a cup of tea?"

She smiled and nodded.

He pulled her close again for another kiss. She wasn't surprised to feel the pressure of side-along apparition the next moment.

It intensified their kiss for a few seconds because of the additional lack of oxygen. When they reappeared they broke the kiss immediately and gasped for air.

"That was interesting." She said half annoyed half amused.

"Yeah, I haven't done that before," Cormac said with an embarrassed laugh. She stepped back into his arms and kissed him again.

"As delicious as kissing you is…" he said when they came up for air. "I think we should go inside."

He motioned with his head behind him and she noticed for the first time the building complex in the background.

She responded with a quick kiss and pushed him towards the door which drew another laugh from him.

His kisses had left her hot and wanting. She wasn't ashamed to admit how horny she was right now. Tea could fucking wait.

He seemed to be thinking along the same lines because he hurriedly led her to his apartment and opened the door. The moment the door closed behind them she pressed her body against his pushing his back to the door in the process. He eagerly received her and lowered his head to capture her lips once more.

These kisses were delectable. She felt things awaken in her that had been dormant for a while. No man had exhilarated her like this in a long time…maybe ever.

His mouth was rough against hers. Her hands were grabbing his shirt collar. His were roaming her body. There was desperation between them. Both of them eager to explore the other.

Before she could register the movement he had grabbed her just underneath her arse and lifted her up, turning them around in one fluid motion. Now it was her turn to be pressed against the door. Her stomach dropped and she felt the wetness in her knickers.

Thanks to the position she was in with her legs wrapped around his waist, she could feel his erection pressing against her. Her skirt was bunched up between their bodies.

"Bedroom," she murmured against his lips.

He immediately obeyed and walked them across his apartment. She shrugged out of her coat letting it drop to the floor and started unbuttoning her blouse. They did not stop kissing.

When he had reached his bedroom he drew back slightly breaking the kiss and smirking devilishly at her. Before she could even think about what he was about to do he was tipping her backwards and she dropped unceremoniously onto the soft bed with a squeak. She stared up at him with narrowed eyes.

In a move that should have looked ridiculous but actually aroused her even further, he shrugged out of his jacket and pulled his shirt over his head. He looked sinful with his tousled hair and his cocky smirk. She wanted to smack him and devour him at the same time.

Then she let her eyes drift lower and drew in a sharp breath. Shit! He gave the word muscular a whole new meaning. Not an ounce of body fat in sight. Nothing but defined muscles in front of her ending in a mouth-watering V just above his waistband.

She sat up and reached up with her hand to touch his abs. They were so hard. She felt him shiver at the contact and looked up to see his face. His eyes were dark, his pupils blown wide. His breath came out faster just like her own.

She let her hand trail down slowly, only stopping when she reached his trousers. He was sporting a very large bulge. She hadn't broken eye contact with him and when she cupped him through his pants she saw how his eyes closed and his head dropped back.

She felt powerful. She hadn't been this aroused in a long time and they hadn't really started yet. She wanted him. Right. Now. So she moved her hand to open his trousers and get to her prize.

She was stopped by him grabbing her hands.

"Not yet." He said, his eyes locked with hers again and she swallowed. His gaze was intense. His eyes drifted down her own body. Her blouse hanging open showing off her black bra. He licked his lips and then motioned with his head for her to move back on the bed. She shrugged out of her blouse and obeyed him.

He lowered himself onto the bed with her and followed her movements like a predator until she was resting against his pillows. He was hovering above her lowering his head down to her and whispering in her ear.

"You look absolutely breathtaking. I'm going to take my time with you."

Merlin, his voice should be illegal. It went straight through her and increased the wetness building in her knickers. She was certain she had to throw them out later.

She couldn't help herself. She grabbed his face and pulled him in for another kiss. He lowered himself on top of her and she felt his skin against hers. He was warm and hard and he felt so good.

His hand was ghosting over her body. Tracing her curves till he reached the zipper of her skirt and pulled it down. She lifted her hips and they somehow managed to get her skirt off and out of the way.

He broke the kiss and cursed after taking a look at her.

She was lying underneath him wearing her bra, knickers and stockings. The look on his face made her feel unbelievably desirable.

She reached down to his trousers once more, deliberately stroking his erection through the fabric before opening them. He growled and helped her get rid of them.

She gently pushed against his shoulder for him to lay on his back and he followed her directive. She straddled him positioning her core right above his bulge. He drew in a sharp breath and she dipped down to resume their kissing.

His hands were roaming her body. Stroking her back, squeezing her hips and finally reaching up for her bra and unhooking it. She shrugged out of it.

His hands were cupping her breasts immediately and she moaned into his mouth. She moved her hips over him and his grip intensified. He tweaked her nipples until they were erect.

Suddenly her world turned upside down and she was on her back again and his body was pressing her into the mattress. Their kiss became more passionate. She was grabbing his hair, his neck, digging her fingers into his shoulder.

He was exploring her body again, first with his hands massaging her breast then further down until he was cupping her sex, stroking her through her underwear. She let out a breathy moan into his mouth and he pulled away only to lick, suck and caress is way down her neck.

He didn't stop there. When his mouth closed around her nipple she grabbed his hair and bit her lip. After giving both nipples his attention he continued to move his mouth further down.

She was lost in the sensations he was giving her. His hands were warm and rough against her skin, his mouth hot. She felt her knickers being drawn down her hips. When his tongue touched her clit she couldn't hold back the sound that came out her mouth.

"Holy mother of-…" she didn't finish because she had to bite back another moan. She looked down her body. Her hands were still lodged in his hair and his head was buried between her thighs. She felt his tongue flicking her clit and she jerked her hips involuntarily.

He used one hand to press down on her abdomen to keep her still. The other moved to join his tongue. He was sending little shocks through her with his ministrations and she was sure she was grabbing his hair too tight. He didn't complain.

She moaned when he entered her with one finger and she felt him groan against her. The vibration from his voice sending yet another jolt through her.

She felt it. That fire inside her growing hotter and hotter by the second. He was playing with her juices spreading them and delving back inside her with two fingers. When he bent them and hit that sweet spot inside her she felt the flame pooling low in her abdomen. Her muscles were clenching and when he hit that spot again her orgasm surprised her by burning through her. Her brain shut off and she let out loud moan.

He was still moving his tongue against her, drawing out her climax and sending more and more jolts through her. Hermione, only half conscious, pulled at Cormac's hair to get him to move up her body again. He followed her directive kissing every inch of skin he could reach before hovering above her face again.

Merlin, help her she wanted to wipe that self-satisfied smirk off him. But then again, it was well deserved. She couldn't remember ever having had such an intense orgasm from oral sex, not to mention this quickly.

She did wipe his beard with her hand though, not wanting to taste herself, before she pulled him to her for a rewarding kiss. It hadn't lost the eagerness. She still wanted him. There was an aching deep inside her.

He was propped up and hovering above the cradle of her thighs. She moved her foot to peel down his shorts, the last layer separating them.

He pulled back a little only to move to her ear again.

"That…was incredibly hot." His voice a deep growl while he nibbled on her ear.

As a response, she took his cock in her hand and gave it a few teasing strokes. He was big. It would need some adjustment on her part but she couldn't help but get even more excited for him.

He buried his head in the pillow to muffle a groan.

"I want you inside me, now." She purred in his ear for a change.

His cock twitched in her hand and now it was her turn to smirk. That was wiped off however when he grabbed her wrist and pinned both her hands above her head. She could see his muscles straining from keeping him over her and it sent another jolt through her. She didn't care how ridiculous her reactions to him were anymore. She just let herself feel.

He was staring at her, his eyes deep and she got lost in them, in him.

He kept one hand pinning her wrists above her head and positioned his straining erection at her entrance with his other one. She could feel his head nudging her and she hooked her legs around his waist.

The tension between them was back, tangible and ready to come to a head.

He moved forward slowly and sank into her inch by torturous inch stretching her deliciously. Her eyes widened, her mouth forming a silent oh at the sensation. She freed one hand to grip his shoulder and dig her fingers into his skin.

His teeth were clenched, his jaw muscles working.

When his hips met the back of her thighs her breath hitched. Merlin, she felt full.

"Breathe, Hermione." His voice sounded strained.

She let out the breath she didn't know she was holding and his face slightly relaxed. Her body had tensed up at his intrusion and she had tightened around him challenging his self-control.

"Fuck…," he rasped almost inaudible.

"Move, Cormac…please," she begged.

He positioned his arms on either side of her and pulled his hips back almost all the way. Then he snapped them back forcefully burying himself in her completely once more.

She gasped and tightened her legs around him.

"Fuck," she echoed his earlier statement.

Feeling reassured he repeated the motion and quickly found a rhythm. She met him with every stroke, every thrust, every snap of his hips against her. Their bodies soon covered by a thin layer of sweat.

Her moans became louder and he couldn't hold back his groans anymore. She could feel the tension inside her tighten. It felt like she would snap in two any moment now.

His movements became erratic and she knew he was close. But so was she. Her nails dug into his shoulders pulling down over his back and then she did snap.

Her orgasm crackling through her with a force she didn't know was possible. Everything in her tightened and she dimly heard him groaning out his own climax. She was lost in hers. It travelled through her body reaching every inch.

She slowly came down from that high and felt him still moving inside her drawing out the last of their energy before he collapsed on top of her. She relished his weight and she didn't care that he was sweaty and as hot as a furnace.

They were both out of breath just staring into each other's eyes. He kissed her almost lazily, sensually. It made her dizzy. Her hands had returned to his hair and she was combing through it eliciting satisfied sighs from him.

He pulled his head back and smiled goofily at her which made her laugh in return. Rolling off of her he took her hand in his and pressed his lips against it in a tender kiss.

She turned her head to look at him. There was something in his eyes. Something that made her stomach drop. She didn't want to think about what his look meant. She just wanted to enjoy simply lying beside him basking in the afterglow of really really good sex.

"That was…" he started but trailed off.

"…yeah," she finished for him, unsure if they were thinking of the same descriptive word.

She turned her head back to stare at the ceiling. Their hands still intertwined between them.

The silence was pleasant. She tried not to think about anything in particular. Not about the fact that she had just had sex on a first date. Not about the fact that at the beginning of the evening she was about to go home because of who he was. Not about the fact that he had been completely different than what she remembered.

The great sex. That was what she thought about. Not about how someone she had loathed not four hours ago had given her two of the best orgasms she had ever had. Nope, not about that. And definitely not about that look in his eyes.

"You okay?" He asked her quietly.

She turned her head again. The look was gone, replaced by open curiosity. She smiled.

"More than okay, trust me."

He grinned at her his eyes sparkling. Then he pulled her closer. She put her head on his chest and threw a leg over his.

As loathe as she was to admit it, he felt good against her. She fit perfectly into the crook of his neck and the space of his arm. His skin seemed like the ideal temperature now. She could stay here.

o.o.O.O.O.o.o.

She was in the middle of a very nice dream. Something about a nice morning in bed with a very handsome very talented man.

Suddenly she threw her eyes open. That very handsome very talented man was lying beside her and had just kicked her in his sleep.

"Bloody hell," she grumbled, turning around and trying to go back to sleep again.

She noticed the brightness through her closed eyelids. It was weird lighting. Way too bright for this time of day. Weird shade, too.

She threw open her eyes again. It was morning and it felt later than she would've usually woken up.

"Oh please, no…," she whispered horrified. She summoned her wand from…somewhere and flicked it to tell the time.

"Crap!" She sat up in shock. "Crap! Crap! Crap!"

"What the-…? Hermione?" Cormac was confusedly blinking at her while she ran around his bedroom looking for her clothes.

"I'm late for a meeting!" She said in a pitch.

He rubbed his eyes and combed through his hair with his hand. She was so panicked she couldn't even appreciate how compelling he looked still half asleep.

"I'm sure it's not that bad if you're a few minutes late." He yawned sitting up in bed.

"Yes! Yes, it is, today!"

She didn't elaborate further. Instead, she waved her wand and conjured her patronus.

"SOS. I'm doing a Walk of Shame to the meeting with Pucey now! I have 7 minutes! I need backup! I need gear! Help!" She almost yelled at the otter in front of her sending it to Angelina and Ginny.

She had successfully freshened up with a spell and dressed in her clothes from last night. Thankfully having remembered a quick cleaning spell for her knickers. She swivelled around the room looking for anything she had missed when her eyes landed on the man candy on the bed. She bit her lip.

"I am so sorry for doing this but I have to go. I'll…I'll owl you, yeah?"

"Hermi-…"

She shut him up with a quick peck to his mouth…which turned into a small snogging session. Before he could pull her back onto the bed, however, she swiftly avoided his hands and almost ran out, picking up her coat and purse in the living room.

o.o.O.O.O.o.o.

She made it to the Atrium with five minutes to spare. Angelina was already waiting for her with a toilet bag opened and ready to go.

"Thank you so much for getting here so fast," Hermione voiced relieved.

Her friend smiled knowingly and fell into step beside her. She started handing her various items for her teeth, face, eyes and most importantly hair.

"Where is Ginny? I need-…"

She was cut off when the elevator opened in front of her and the redhead in question stood there alone holding a bag and her briefcase.

"Well, come on. Get in. You know how hard it is to keep these elevators empty this time of day?"

Angelina laughed and she and Hermione joined Ginny inside.

"I don't know what I would do without you guys," she told them. "Did you bring my nud-…?"

Ginny pulled out her beige blazer followed by a pair of nude tights and Hermione thanked the heavens for her two best friends. With a flick of her wand, she was dressed in the new clothes.

She switched her ankle boots with the pair of nude heels Angelina was holding out for her and looked at her two lifesavers.

"How do I look?" She asked.

"Ready to kick Pucey's arse," Ginny said smugly and sprayed her with a finishing touch of perfume.

"You have got to tell us what happened," Angelina declared when the elevator doors opened.

"I will. But not now," Hermione responded while taking her briefcase from Ginny. "Thanks again, guys!" She threw them both air kisses and was off to her meeting.

"Oh…," Ginny said while the elevator doors closed.

"Bedhead," Angelina sighed.

"Should we have told her?"

"Nah…we did our best." Ginny held up her hand for a high five. "You want to go get a coffee?"

"Sure. I have to tell you what George got me last night."

Ginny grimaced but then laughed and they both exited the elevator in the Atrium.

o.o.O.O.O.o.o.

"Miss Granger, so nice of you to join us." Adrian Pucey greeted her smiling condescendingly.

She rolled her eyes. One minute. One bloody minute late.

"My pleasure, Mr Pucey." She replied coolly.

Her client was already sitting there opposite of the woman Pucey was representing.

Pucey was looking her up and down and wrinkled his nose.

"Didn't even want to hide the fact you spent the night somewhere else?"

The audacity of that man! He was one of her toughest adversaries in court and he enjoyed belittling her and making sexist comments. She had learned to brush them off over the years.

But somehow this morning she didn't want to stay silent. She was sick and tired of justifying her decisions, especially the ones that concerned her sex life, to people who had no right knowing anything about it. Tabloids, nosy neighbours, coworkers, acquaintances…even friends like, say Ron. Everyone knew better and wanted to advise her or just taunt her. She had had enough.

"That's right, Adrian," she said, deliberately using his first name now. "I did not want to hide the fact that I had a nice date on Valentine's Day that ended up lasting until this morning. Why pretend that I didn't wake up in someone else's bed without time to go home and change? Why not show up to work wearing the same thing I wore yesterday with a few smaaall adjustments? This is me showing you how to turn a Walk of Shame into a Stride of Pride. Recognize." She ended with her hands on her hips.

Her own client, an elderly wizard was looking like he wanted to clap and even Pucey's client had her arms crossed in front and was staring at her barrister with a smug look.

Pucey, on the other hand, had turned red and was shuffling around some papers he had conveniently found in disarray on the table.

"Let's just get started, Granger." He murmured while sitting down.

She let herself have an internal dance party at her rebuttal but took her place beside her client. She caught the eye of the woman opposite her and got a wink. Hermione grinned.

This was going to be fun.

o.o.O.O.O.o.o.

I took the last two scenes at the end from Episode 2x05 of The Bold Type…if you haven't seen that show go do it now! Its one of the best shows I've EVER seen…and I've watched A LOT of TV shows.