'You're all talk.'

'No. You know what? I bet you that I could get any girl at this school. And I mean … get.'

'Granger.' Zabini crossed his arms triumphantly.

Draco spluttered. 'What- Why- I could … but why would I touch the mudblood?'

'Because you know she wouldn't let you.'

'Hello? What part of sex-god do you not comprehend?' He drawled, smirking. 'Now, I know it's not the god part.'

Without another word, Draco sauntered off to the Prefect Compartment, trying to figure out what the hell he was going to do about this.

XXX

Hermione was sitting in the Prefect Compartment when he got there. Great. I can't think with her here. 'Shouldn't you be off with Pothead and the Weasel?' He sneered.

'Sod off Malfoy, I'm working.'

He gulped. Forget about getting her. Right now he needed to get her out. 'Yes, but think of Ron could be doing without his brain.'

'I'll have you know Ron is perfectly capable.' She was poring over The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 7. He scoffed. She was already working.

'And you'd be speaking from experience?' She had to suppress the urge to punch him. 'God Granger, Term hasn't even started. Don't pull a brain muscle or anything.'

He sat at the other end of the compartment. She shot a dirty look his way. 'Stuff it Malfoy. It's bad enough I have to put up with working with you all year. Could you take a break from being a prat for … five minutes?'

'Yes, but why waste my energies on changing when I know you like me just how I am?' He winked. 'Besides, I have… other things to do.'

'Yeah, I like you. I like you when you're not talking.' She packed up her books and left, but not before he'd replied.

'See you around. Y'know, where weasel isn't capable … I'm downright handy.'

He couldn't believe he'd said that. He needed to think this one out.

Ah, peace and quiet, away from that annoying mudpie. God this was going to be difficult.

XXX

When Hermione got back to her friends, she was… well, not that surprised, really.

Harry and Ginny were talking … very closely.

Luna and Dean were making out in the corner.

Neville, she knew, was talking to Professor Slughorn in Compartment C.

Ron was sitting sulkily, slumped in his seat.

This was the reason she'd been avoiding the compartment. Ron. He'd been in a mood, well, forever.

Hermione immediately opened her books and started to read. But she couldn't stop thinking about Malfoy. About the things he'd said. 'God that's disgusting.'

Ron looked puzzled, 'Sorry?'

'Never you mind.'

What was that snake getting at??

XXX

At dinner, it was all Hermione could do not to look at the Slytherin table. She needed to know what he meant.

But then again, it was all she could do to avoid Ron.

Stupid Ronald. Stupid Ron and his stupid ideas.

She really needed to get over that prat.

After dinner, however, the Heads had to meet with Dumbledore.

Hermione arrived at 8 o'clock to find Draco already waiting.

XXX

Dumbledore came in and sat them down. 'I know you're in different houses. I know you have had your differences. But I would like you two to talk, bond, if you will. Get to know each other.'

He left, locking them in the bloody room.

Hermione gagged. She couldn't believe this. Make nice, with Draco Malfoy? He hated her! She hated him! MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.

'Well, isn't this convenient?' Draco tried, and failed, to open the door by magic. 'Now that Dumblebore has given us a task, I'm sure you're all for it.' He rolled his eyes.

'I think it's a terrible idea, actually.'

'Look, we've got something in common already. What the bloody fuck does he want us to find out? Each other's favourite colours? What's the bloody point?'

'Sharp?' Hermione shrugged, chuckling at her own joke.

Draco ignored her. 'It's not like I'm going to play nice with a Gryffindor. Especially Mudblood Mary.' He was talking to himself now. 'I'm a Slytherin. Born and bred.'

'And Buttered?' Hermione chuckled again. Bred and buttered.

'Yes, buttered as well.' Draco smiled suggestively. Terribly unfunny joke. Spiced up. Spiced up.

'Okay, ew. Not what I meant.' Hermione wrinkled her nose. 'You're unbelievable.'

He smirked. 'So I've been told.'

'That's quite enough. I just ate. Besides,' She smiled. 'I'm not one to believe the hype.'

'I didn't know you wanted me so badly to try for yourself. Pity you're a mudblood.'