Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Foreword: Hey there, everyone! It's Romantic Silence. As you can see, I happen to be updating this story. Life has been a struggle lately, leaving me with less time to write as of late. Have no fear, things are starting to look up again and I'm sure I would be able to update more of my stories soon. With that said, I give you the next chapter of this little story. It's been three months since I have updated it and I like to think I have improved vastly since three months ago. I hope you enjoy it!

A Madhouse of Obnoxiously Extravagant Decorations

"You know what I don't understand, Harry." Said Hermione as the two walked by Gladrags Wizardwear.

Noticing Hermione had stopped walking, Harry stopped as well and began listening. He turned to Hermione and found her staring into the clothing shop with a thoughtful expression. Although he was confused why Hermione of all people would care about clothing, he simply chalked her behavior to typical female mannerisms. They all love shopping. At least, that was the stereotype most boys were familiars with.

"Harry?"

Broken from his thoughts, Harry realized he hadn't been paying attention. He smiled and apologized, "Sorry, I was spacing out there. You were saying?"

Instead of chiding him, Hermione restarted.

"I don't understand why wizards and witches continue to wear robes for casual wear. I can understand wearing it in a formal setting like in a job that requires it, but robes can be such an inconvenience when you're just walking around and having fun."

Hermione was quite proud that she was able to eloquently voice her thoughts. She made sure not to use any words that probably wasn't in Harry's – or any teenager's – vocabulary. Even Hermione knew how much of a bookworm she could be and on the sacred occasion as a first date, she wanted a good impression! Even if she didn't need to on account that it was Harry she was with.

Meanwhile, Harry began the arduous process of critically thinking on Hermione's words. Like many others, Harry could admit that he often tuned Hermione out whenever she "ranted" about a subject. However, it was different this time. He genuinely wanted to listen to her and impress her by giving her his own opinion. In light of this revelation, Harry decided that he would be honest.

"Well," Harry began, unsure how to express his thoughts, "I think it has something to do with what happened in the seventies. More and more muggle-borns began attending and graduating Hogwarts, giving rise to brand new ideas. I'm sure, for a time, these ideas were embraced by everyone but a select few. Then in come Voldemort and the Death Eaters proclaiming pure-blood supremacy and killing off anyone who was muggle-born or liked muggle-borns…."

"…and thus the trauma exacted by Voldemort and the Death Eaters upon wizarding society gave the conservatives more power over the populace, which made everyone unconsciously begin shunning new ideas because of the fear that something horrific as another war would come about because of it!" Hermione finished excitedly.

It was not exactly what Harry was going to say, but he didn't mind if Hermione thought that it was.

"Harry! That is an excellent theory! While this is all based on supposition, it does make sense from the data that is available. I think we stumbled upon the sociological explanation as to why wizarding society seems so stagnant in comparison to the muggle world! Harry, you're brilliant!"

Harry couldn't help but beam proudly. Usually it was "Hermione, you're brilliant!" but he liked the thought that Hermione found him intelligent. Granted, there was a strong possibility that the theory could be wrong, but it was safe to say that he definitely impressed Hermione by showing that he didn't just have girls and Quidditch on the mind.

Hermione was suitably impressed by Harry's thinking. When she had spoken up, she had to admit that she didn't expect Harry to have an opinion. While she had always believed him to be more intelligent than what his grades suggested, Harry wasn't known for taking the time to think before he acted. Having seen Harry show off his hidden intelligence by creating such a bold theory, Hermione was feeling excited. And no, it wasn't excitement relating to knowledge and education. It was the much more common excitement rampant in teenage boys and girls. A smart Harry was a turn-on.

"So, what do you want to do –"

Before Harry could finish the question, Hermione had launched herself on him. In a matter of moments, her lips upon his as her arms were tightly wrapped around his neck, pulling his head down. Of course, being a young man in his prime, Harry simply couldn't resist the allure of physical affection from a very attractive young woman.

Thus, this was how the gossip mill of Hogwarts found out Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were dating: they were seen snogging in front of Gladrags Wizardwear. But that was a story for another day.

"Harry? Hermione?"

Harry and Hermione jerked from each other at the sound of their names being called. Embarrassment rippled through them at the realization that they had a brief, but highly intense snogging session in the middle of Hogsmeade. They were blushing madly but they were able to gather their bearings quickly. The couple turned their attention to the source of the interruption.

"Err… good morning Ginny." Hermione greeted the younger witch.

Ginny had a bewildered expression upon her face as she stood not too far from where Harry and Hermione had been displaying their attraction for one another in a pleasurable physical activity. Her hands were linked with her boyfriend, Dean, who was grinning from ear to ear for catching his dormmate in an intimate moment with Hogwarts's biggest bookworm.

"Well, I can definitely see you two having a good morning." Ginny stated coyly.

Harry and Hermione were further embarrassed.

"So, are you two on a date as well, Dean?" Harry asked one of the four boys living in the dorm with him.

Dean nodded ecstatically.

"Yeah, I thought of treating Ginny to a dress she had been eyeing for awhile."

Ginny had the modesty to blush as she playfully slapped her boyfriend, chiding him fondly, "Dean! You make it sound like you spoil me!"

"Well, don't let the two of us keep you." Hermione said, hoping to escape the couple as quickly as possible. Knowing Ginny, she would no doubt cause some mischief. "Have fun!"

She quickly tugged at Harry's arm, pulling him away from the other pair of a couple. Though she thought fondly of Ginny, she didn't want to embarrass herself further in front of the only Weasley daughter. Ginny would had began asking questions after questions ranging from bland ("What kind of shirts does Harry like to wear?") to very personal ("Have you two shagged like bunnies yet?").

However, that was not the only reason. As confident she may have acted in front of Harry by proposing the two of them try dating each other, her more emotional side was riddled with insecurities she attempted to hide. Hermione knew Harry was still attracted to Ginny. Even if he wouldn't attempt to pursue her now, the thought of Harry entertaining thoughts about doing something intimate with the petite red-head had Hermione irrationally worried. She would never admit it aloud, but Hermione was beginning to feel that dating Harry wouldn't simply be on a trial basis.

"Hey, slow down, Hermione!" Harry said as he nearly tripped over a rock.

Finding themselves far enough from Ginny and Dean, Hermione stopped and smiled apologetically at Harry.

"Sorry, Harry. I just wanted to get away from Ginny before she begins prying. You know how she can be."

Harry laughed and agreed, "I know what you mean! She can be quite the handful."

Thankful that Harry himself didn't pry into her true reasons, Hermione began scouting the area to determine where she dragged the two of them to. She found that they had entered another street of Hogsmeade and that they were not too far away from the village's infamous date spot, Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. Although she wasn't the type of girl to be attracted to such a location, Hermione was curious about what went inside there. Not to mention it would be hilariously ironic to pop in. Thus, she gestured Harry towards Madam Puddifoot's.

Naturally, Harry groaned, complaining, "I thought we agreed not to go there."

Harry personally disliked the decorations. They were too gaudy and tacky for his tastes. It had reminded him too much of Umbridge's office and he was never fond of remembering that. The tea shop also represented his disastrous date with Cho last year. Looking back now, Cho had gotten extremely jealous when he mentioned Hermione. It was funny that it was now Hermione that suggested they visit the tea shop.

"Where's your sense of fun, Harry? I've never been there before, so I'm a little curious." Hermione replied playfully. "I'll make it up to you later somehow."

She looked up at him with her warm, chocolate brown eyes, melting away all of his resistance. Consenting indignantly, Harry sighed and acquiesced, "Alright then. Don't say I didn't warn you! Curiosity killed the cat and all."

They entered the tea shop a few moments later. The tuneful sound of a bell ringing overhead could be heard as they opened the door. All around the tea shop were couples from all houses holding hands or kissing. A few had spotted Harry and Hermione enter and even began whispering to one another when they thought the two of them weren't paying attention. The duo ignored the whispers, having grown used to being stared at or talked about during the Triwizard Tournament in their fourth year. They found an empty table at the back, a little ways off from everyone else.

As they took a seat, Hermione had to admit that Harry was right about the place.

"Ugh, this place is so tacky. Frills here, lace there! It's a madhouse of obnoxiously extravagant decorations!"

"I told you so." Harry said chuckling. "At least it's not Valentine's Day. There would be golden cherubs flying around above us. One nearly hit me when I was walking by last time!"

Hermione's soft giggles were like music to Harry's ears. Despite his dismay of being in the infamous teashop, Harry was comforted to know that he at least had Hermione with him to pass the time. Madam Puddifoot later came by to take their orders, both of them surprisingly asking for the same type of tea. Harry didn't know why he never noticed it before, but Hermione shared several of his tastes.

"Hermione, can I be honest with you?" Harry suddenly inquired his date.

Hermione eyed him curiously.

"Of course you can, Harry."

"This is the most fun I've had in ages. I never thought I would be here with you doing all this." Harry gestured the entire shop with a wave of his hand. "It's nice… I love it."

"Even more fun than Quidditch?" Hermione asked with a mischievous smirk.

Harry took a dramatic pause before breaking out into a saucy grin.

"Very much so. It can't helped though, I am with a very beautiful girl."

Harry's reward was a flustered but satisfied smile. Hermione knew that she was a good-looking young woman. She may not be as beautiful as some others that attended Hogwarts, but her appearance was more than enough to catch the eye of a few boys. She had grown up from the buck-toothed, bushy-haired bookworm that entered the wizarding world five years ago. But despite her self-confidence, it was always pleasant to know that her chosen partner found her attractive. In fact, her heart soared when Harry called her beautiful. She knew Harry didn't give out compliments lightly.

"Since we're being honest, can I tell you something?" Hermione asked as she nervously tugged the hem of her sleeves. Not even the serene aroma of her tea did little to dissuade her anxiety.

"Do you need to ask?"

Hermione chuckled.

"No, I suppose I don't, do I? Well… it's about us…" Hermione trailed off, trying to gather her thoughts. She observed Harry's eyes widening and realized how her worlds could be interpreted. She swiftly moved to intervene. "It's not what you think, Harry!"

He sighed in relief.

"Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry, sorry. Now where was I... oh… yes… Harry, when I suggested that we start dating, I never really expected anything to come of it. To me, you've always been my best friend and a pseudo-brother. It may seem wrong to think that I was attracted to you yet consider you like family, but that's how I felt. I guess what I mean to say is that this turn of events was something I couldn't anticipate and I…"

"Hermione, you're rambling!" Harry interrupted her. "What are you trying to say?"

Hermione scolded herself for rambling. She wasn't one to be nervous! She was Hermione Granger, the brains behind Harry Potter! She had no time for doubts! It was now or never. Hermione calmed her nerves and confessed, "I don't want this to be just a fling between us, Harry. I may be getting ahead of myself, but this date really showed me how much at ease I am with you. Honestly, you're the kind of boyfriend I've always wanted. I want whatever we call this to be something much more than an experiment on our parts."

Harry was silent, something that had Hermione worried. His expression showed that he was in thought, his fingers running nervously across his hair. Hermione once again scolded herself for trying to move things too fast. She should have known better than to bring something serious like that on the first date!

But Harry's reply surprised her.

"Hermione," Harry began softly, "I think I'm feeling the same way. I always thought of you as a sister, but what do I know? I'm an only child! And I definitely don't see Dudley as a sibling. Truthfully, I like what we have too. I'm really comfortable being with you and… it's nice to know that I don't have to put on airs with you. I think… I think I would like to be with you."

Immediately, Hermione relaxed.

"I'm so happy you feel the same way, Harry."

"So am I! I've read somewhere that for relationships to work, both sides have to talk to each other." Harry commented proudly. "I read that in one of my aunt's magazines."

Hermione snickered at the thought Harry's aunt trying to use advice for her abhorrence of a husband.

"Well, you are right. Couples just have to talk to each other. I mean, it would be nice if the other person could pick up what's wrong, but it's kind of stupid to wait until your partner could guess it. I don't see what's so bad about just being straightforward with what their thoughts were. If they can, they can avoid having rows over something they both misunderstood."

"That…" Harry nervously laughed. "…isn't very romantic."

Hermione arched an eyebrow at Harry and smiled suggestively.

"Maybe not, but the less time a couple has to work things out, the more time a couple has to spend that time having a very intimate moment i.e. a very passionate snogging session. I happen to think your kissing is… much more than satisfactory."

Afterword: The theme of this chapter was "first date". I'm going to stick to a theme of first times for this story. The theme of last chapter was "first few days" of being a couple. One thing I tried to do in this chapter was to forgo some of the cliches commonly found in this fandom. I wonder if you folks could spot some of the instances I averted or subverted some of them. Anyway, I'm off to write another chapter for another story! Until next time!