Hermione POV:

"Ugh, why did I let Harry and Ron talk me into coming to this damn 'house unity' party?" I think, irritated that Harry is dragging me downstairs on our way down to the dungeons. "Merlin's beard, Harry," I grumble. "...I swear you're going to rip my arm off. I'm more than capable of walking down without you dragging me."

Harry looks at me with an apologetic pout as he releases his grip on my wrist. "Sorry, 'Mione. I just got so excited. I didn't even think," Harry replies sheepishly.

I shake my head and snicker as we continue down the steps quietly and as we hit the last step, I groan.

"Harry, please don't make me do this. I'd rather die than be surrounded by these loathsome Slytherins."

"Oh come on, 'Mione. Hey at least there's alcohol, so you won't have to remember any of it," Harry seems to joke, but I can tell he's at least half serious.

We continue walking down a long hallway until we see the door to the Slytherin common room. Harry opens the door, and I look around the room and see a bowl with ice and bottles of fire whiskey in it.

I start to walk over, only for some bumbling idiot to bump right into me and knock me over.

I fall to the ground with a loud thump, and the boy who bumped into me turns around and looks at me.

To my horror; it was none other than Slytherins ferret prince: Malfoy.

"Watch where you're going, moodblood!" Malfoy shouts.

I cringe in response to that horrible word he insists on calling me.

"Why don't you watch where you're going, you insufferable git? I was minding my own business, and you bumped into me," I retort, hiding the fact that I'm close to tears.

"Wait, are you headed to the booze table? Miss Innocent is going to drink tonight?" Malfoy asks me curiously.

He looks at me like he's trying to read my body language and my feelings, causing me to feel slightly confused.

"What if I am? What's it to you, Ferret?" I yell, getting angry at him.

I don't have to answer to this pompous asshole. The nerve!

Frustrated that Malfoy would even try to get me to answer to him, I continue over to the fine whiskey calling me without even waiting for a reply. I reach the table and pour myself a glass while looking around the room at all these people I barely know. I down my drink and cringe as the vile taste hits my tongue.

I can't believe people enjoy this stuff. I think I tastes like shit.

I can feel the alcohol start affect me as I zone out while looking at this handsome blond from across the room. "Should I walk over and talk to him?" I think, with a giggle.

My feet start moving without a second thought. I trip over my own feet, and the feet of many others, as I push through the boisterous crowd.

I try to find my way to the mysterious stranger at the back of the room. I almost give up but, not before I hear Malfoy whisper in my ear "Looking for me Granger?"

"No, why would I be looking for you?" I huff, getting annoyed at how I continue to bump into him. I look up to his face, and I gasp a bit too loudly as I realize, "Draco Fricking Malfoy is the handsome, mysterious stranger!"

"Well, you see, Granger...You were staring at me from across the room. You got up and started walking in my direction and gasped when you looked at me. Even though I'm directly in front of you," he answers. I think he's flirting.

"What has this world come to? Draco Malfoy, the guy I've hated since 1st year, flirting with me? Hermione Jean Granger! Me!" I think while looking in his icy gray eyes with this dumb shocked expression on my face.

"I…I… Fuck. You're right; I was looking for you. I just didn't realize it was you until a minute ago." I stutter at first, but I end up giving up trying to deny it, and I tell him the truth.

"You know what? I need another drink. You're free to tag along if you want, Ferret."

He accepts my offer and follows me over. He watches me intently as I pour myself a line of 4 shots. I take them one after the other without hesitation. I gag after the last shot and shoot Malfoy a quick, shy smile to show him I'm ok.

"I feel so light headed and dizzy, I kinda like it," I giggle as I watch Malfoy pour himself a larger drink and down it all at once without cringing or gagging.

A pair of really drunk boys supporting each other as they walk over and call my name. "Moine!" "Moine is that you?" "We've been looking for you everywhere." As the come into view, I see my best friends Harry and Ron.

"Oh hey you two, having fun I see?" I say jokingly with a chuckle. They both look like they've had way too much to drink.

"Why the bloody hell are you here, Malfoy?!" Ron yells, I can tell he's about to blow up.

"'Mione, why is he hanging out with you? He hasn't hurt you or cursed you, has he?"

"Ronald Bilius Weasley, I can hang out with who I want to spend time with! He is here because I offered him my company! If you try and tell me who I can, or can't spend time with, I will hex you! I swear it!" I rage.

"He has the nerve to tell me what to do when he can't even take care of himself."

I begin stomping away, angry with my so-called 'friend.'

"Wait, don't leave me with these idiots!" Malfoy calls. I watch as he runs to catch up with me. I feel him place his hand gently on my shoulder as if to console me.

I look up to him and smile.

"Sorry, they are just so infuriating sometimes," I explain as we continue to walk towards the couches.

"It's ok, I understand," he replies. I pull a slightly crinkled piece of parchment and my favorite black quill out of my purse. I write a sentence or two, and I hand it to Malfoy as I get up to leave.

I look back as I exit the door to see Malfoy look down and read...

"Dear Draco,

I had a great time and would like to try to hang out again when we are sober.

Meet me at midnight at the black lake tomorrow, and we will skip through the shadows as friends. (Maybe more, it depends on how this goes).

Yours, "Granger."