Title: Contrition Rating: PG-13 Word Count: 312 Notes/Warning: Written for Day 2 Valentines Challenge, Prompt 2.

I'm sorry I am so late. Bollocksed up at work again, I fear. Millions down the drain. Notting Hill I had been cooling my heels for twenty minutes when Draco slipped into the chair across from me. Youre late. Sorry, I bol ocksed up at work again, I

fear. Millions down the drain. Youre so full of it. He smiled and my heart leapt at the thought that being with me made him happy. I ventured into Muggle London to find this for you, he explained, passing me a small velvet box. Isnt our third date a little early to be exchanging jewelry? I joked. Just open it, Granger. Fixing him with a look of suspicion, I carefully opened the box and was struck speechless. Inside was an art

nouveau cameo almost identical to the one my great-grandmother had given me when I turned thirteen. Months ago, I had told Draco that my only regret about the year spent alongside Ron and Harry searching for Horcruxes had been pawning the turnof-the-century brooch for cash to fund the hunt. How in the world... Do you like it? I nodded, still overcome by his thoughtfulness. Great. So what are the specials tonight?

Draco, wait. Arent you going to explain this? Whats there to explain? he asked a bit haughtily, although I was beginning to recognize it as one of his defense mechanisms. I didnt do anything that wasnt complete rubbish the year you were working to bring down Voldemort. If there is something I can do now to ease your memory of that time, you better bloody well bet Im going to do it. He then flipped the menu open and concealed his face behind it. I adore you, I informed him.

He peered at me from over the wine list. If you are going to turn al maudlin I wont be able to keep my dinner down. I grinned because despite his words, I knew he was smiling even broader than before.