So, this is a short with potentially more chapters exploring the relationship between Draco and Hermione. It's really just an idea that struck me with how the two behave in my series. Tell me what you think about these two as a pair. What you suggest may influence exactly what direction this quick short story goes in.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

"Draco, catch!" Harry shouted as he tossed the quaffle to Draco, who was closest to a goal hoop. Draco caught the quaffle and through it through the hoop.

"Ten points!" Draco shouted. He flew his broom towards Harry, who had shot forward to catch the quaffle before it hit the ground. Once he was next to Harry, they flew side by side back towards the stands where Hermione was. "As much as I love scoring points with the quaffle, shouldn't we be practicing searching for the snitch? We are the seekers, you know."

Harry shivered slightly as the cold November wind blew around them. He paused to tighten his cloak before chasing after Draco, quickly catching up to him.

"Yes, I know," Harry answered, "but I don't need to practice that. Finding the snitch comes naturally for me. You can practice with it, if you want, though."

Harry sped up, forcing Draco to speed his own broom up, now trying to catch up to Harry.

"Liar!" Draco accused. "You just freestyle everything you do. Besides, you finding the snitch is pure luck."

"Maybe. But let me tell you, the snitch does seem to like me."

"Haha. That, or you enchant it."

"You think I cheat?"

"I don't know what you do to find that snitch. But I wouldn't put it past you."

"I don't cheat! I'm telling you – the snitch likes me. We can even ask Hermione. Hermione!" Harry yelled as he and Draco flew directly in front of her, hovering near her. She was seated on the first level of the stands, not bothering to look up from the large book she was reading. She held up a finger to the boys as she read a final paragraph before brushing back a strand of hair as she looked up.

"What?" she asked.

"I'm sorry," Draco sneered, "are we interrupting your reading? What are you reading anyway?"

"Our book for Arithmancy," Hermione picked up the book to show Draco the cover. "Remember? Understanding the Most Powerful Magical Number? We have a quiz on this next week."

"Right," Draco glared at the book.

Harry was glad his father hadn't forced him to take Arithmancy. Severus had suggested it over Divination, but after a brief argument on what classes Harry wanted to take, they both settled on Study of Ancient Runes – Harry finding it to be a level down from Arithmancy and Severus finding it challenging enough for his son. Harry was sure his father would attempt to talk him into taking Arithmancy in later years, but for now, they were both satisfied.

"Isn't that number seven?" Harry said, frowning as he remembered briefly going over the topic last year in Study of Ancient Runes. The professor had stated that they would learn more about it this upcoming year. "What's so special about it anyway?"

"Oh, it's a very interesting theory," Hermione nodded her head. "I haven't read too far into it yet, but don't you just find it interesting that we have a seven-day system based on the ancient astrological notion about the seven celestial bodies: the sun, the moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn? And isn't odd that we have Seven Wonders of the World, seven virtues, seven deadly sins, seven chakras, and seven sacred sciences? We even have seven years of schooling at Hogwarts! I mean this cannot be coincidental - Bridget Wenlock's ground-breaking theorem on the magical properties of the number seven –"

"Are you going to recite the entire book, Hermione?" Draco frowned.

"I was just answering his question!"

"Well, I'm sure a one sentence answer would have sufficed for him. He doesn't need a lecture right now."

"He was curious, and I thought going into a good amount of detail might satisfy his curiosity. Some people like thorough answers, Draco."

"He's taking Study of Ancient Runes, I'm sure he'll find all this out soon enough."

"Hey," Harry interrupted, waving his hands, ""He" is sitting right here. Can I join the conversation?"

"Sorry, Harry," Hermione gave him a guilty smile before glaring at Draco. "Some people don't appreciate learning their history."

"I never said I don't appreciate it!" Draco snapped. "I'll learn it on my own time."

"Have you even opened the book yet?"

"I'll get to it. I was going to do the reading tonight. It's only two chapters."

"Three. It's three chapters. And we have a fifty-question quiz on the reading material. All short answer."

"Easy. I'll get it done."

"Whatever," Hermione rolled her eyes and looked back at Harry, "anyway, I really think you should take Arithmancy, Harry. You'd be good at it. You did really well in Study of Ancient Runes last year."

"I only passed with an E," Harry reminded. "It's not like it was an O or anything."

"An E is a really good grade. It shows that you understood enough of the material to score highly, indicating you could do the same in a more advanced class."

"Sheesh, don't start sounding like my dad now. I'm happy with what I'm taking. Can't we leave it at that?"

"Suit yourself," Hermione said, opening her book back up. "What were you originally going to ask me?"

"Err . . ." Harry frowned in thought. What had this all originally been about? They had gotten a bit sidetracked with the whole "number seven" lecture, he had forgotten what they were doing before it. Harry looked at Draco for help.

"I think," Draco frowned, "that it may have had something to do with the snitch . . . oh well, it doesn't matter. It's not that important. I plan on wiping the field with your blood, Harry! You can kiss that Quidditch Cup goodbye!"

"In your dreams!" Harry exclaimed. "I've beaten Slytherin more times than I can count!"

"You can't count that high? That really is sad, Harry. And you've only won because you seem to like falling on the snitch a lot. Some strategy. If you played the game the right way, you could give other Seekers a decent chance at winning, too."

"Nah, I'll keep the fame and glory."

"It's all going to your head! Get off your high horse! Or in this case, your high broom!"

Draco flew at Harry, grabbing the broomstick and yanking it out from under Harry, who fell the last foot to the grass below. He grunted as his face smacked the earth. "Low blow, Draco," Harry groaned. "Low blow."

Draco smirked down at his cousin. Hermione rolled her eyes at them.

"I don't understand you boys," she told them. Then, her eyes focused on something past Harry and Draco. Both boys followed her gaze, Draco lowering and jumping off his broom.

Viktor Krum, a tall, brown eyed, brown haired eighteen-year-old, was flying on a broomstick over the field now, looking completely as if he belonged there. Harry had never seen anyone fly like that; Viktor hardly looked as though he was using a broomstick at all; he moved so easily through the air that he looked unsupported and weightless. He paused and smiled at the trio – his eyes specifically zeroing in on Hermione. He waved to them.

Hermione offered a smile in return, Harry gave an awkward wave back, and Draco glared. The man flew off, enjoying the wind.

"He's a showoff," Draco decided, handing Harry his broom. Hermione frowned at him.

"He's not. He's just more experienced than both of you."

"It's only because he's older. He's still a showoff."

"Oh, will you grow up, Draco!"

"I bet you like him!"

"Oh please, he's here for the Tournament and you know it. Even if he is attractive, he hasn't even worked up the courage to talk to me. Just sits in the back of the library and acts like he isn't staring at me."

Harry noticed Draco's glare at Viktor darken. Before he could comment, Viktor landed right in front of them.

"Hey Snape," he greeted, "cool fox."

Harry blinked and looked down in time to see Sam's mist solidify at Viktor's side, smiling slyly up at him as his fox-sized self, his three tails giving a brief wag. Harry frowned, wondering what Sam was doing with the man.

"Err, thanks."

"Ve vere talking about Sam's tooth he vears all the time," Viktor said. "I find its unique capabilities very interesting. And he finds my school very fascinating. Ve should talk again soon."

: Of course, I look forward to it.

"Hello, Hermy-own-ninny," Viktor greeted.

Hermione sighed exasperatedly as she covered her face with a hand. Draco snorted and Harry bit back a laugh himself. Viktor didn't seem to understand the problem with what he said, just nodded goodbye and flew off on his broom once more.

"What were you doing with him?" Harry asked Sam.

: Am I not allowed to socialize with the newcomers? We were just talking. He seemed lonely earlier, even with all the girls stalking him. I wish I had ladies at my tails as he does.

"I'm sure," Harry made a face at that. "What do you think of Viktor?"

: He's not bad, really. A good gentleman.

"See?" Hermione said, picking up her book and standing up. "He's not bad. You two can't just judge someone so quickly."

"Just because Sam said he's not bad," Draco argued, "doesn't make him student of the year. Besides, he can't even say your name right."

"Well at least he's trying! If I remember correctly, it took you almost two years to stop calling me Granger."

"Well . . . I . . . so?"

Hermione rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time before saying, "I'm going to see if Ron had caught up on that make-up work he owed. Maybe he'll appreciate my "lectures."" With that, Hermione walked off.

"I swear," Harry shook his head at Draco, "you argue more with Hermione than Ron does."

"So? She's rather moody lately."

: If I didn't know any better, Sam smiled, tilting his head, his ears flicking, I'd say you actually like her. And I mean like.

Harry's eyes widened as he gaped at Draco, who's pale face turned as red as Ron's hair.

"W-what!?" Draco spluttered. "I-I-I do not! She's an insufferable know-it-all and . . . she's annoying and she's . . . I don't like her, Sam! She's just a friend."

: Sure, Sam smirked.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked, a smile slowly growing on his face. "I won't say anything to her if you do."

"No! I don't!"

"I mean, you two are a lot alike – you're both really smart, good at reasoning and logic, you both like to argue . . ."

"Cut it out!"

"I think you'd make a good couple."

"Harry!"

"Draco and Hermione sittin' in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-"

Draco pushed Harry and jumped on top of him, shoving his face down into the dirt. Harry pushed Draco off and pinned the boy down – rubbing his face in the dirt before standing and making a run for the broom shed to put his broom away. Draco stood and chased after Harry. Sam followed at a slower pace, smirking as he watched the boys wrestle in the shed before Harry managed to escape and run for the school, still laughing joyfully while Draco seemed angrier. Once back at the school, they walked slowly down the hall, knowing they'd have to part ways to go to their separate dorms.

"But really, Draco," Harry grew a more serious tone. "Maybe you should ask Hermione to the Yule Ball. That's happening this year."

"Ask Hermione?" Draco's face reddened again. "And embarrass myself? No, I don't think so. I'll ask . . . Pansy or . . . someone."

"Come on, what's the worst that can happen?"

"She'll say no."

"So, you do like her?"

Draco blinked and then frowned at Harry.

"So, what if I do? Big deal. It's just a . . . phase, I'm sure."

"Right. Well, if I were you, I'd ask her soon. With Viktor eyeing her, you'll have to ask her first."

"Well, what about Ron? Doesn't he like Hermione? Maybe he'll ask her."

"Ron? He hasn't really shown any interest in asking anyone," Harry frowned. "Or in her. I don't know. She'll pick who she picks."

"What if she doesn't even like me back? I mean . . . that way? This could completely ruin the friendship we all have. If I ask her or even tell her, and she lets me down – it'll be so . . . awkward."

"Hermione's not like that. She'll still want to be friends. She needs someone to argue with when Ron's not around. You'll never know anything if you don't try."

"Well, who are you going with?"

"Oh, uh, I don't know. I haven't really thought about it."

"What about that Ginny girl? She seems to like you."

"Yeah, but she's Ron's little sister . . ."

"And? If I ask Hermione – that's an if! – you have to ask Ginny Weasley. Seems only fair to me."

"Fine. But you have to ask Hermione! I'm not doing anything until you do."

"Then how do I know you'll do it?"

"I'll do it. Trust me – Sam can be a witness."

: Why do you have to drag me into your teenage dilemmas?

Harry glared down at the fox, whose ears were laying flat on his head in distaste at being included in such drama, but Draco snorted.

"Fine. I'll . . . give it a try."

"Great! Well, I have to go this way for Gryffindor Tower. See you at dinner. And don't forgot to ask her!"

Draco watched Harry leave with Sam at his heels. What the hell had he signed up for? Was he really going to ask Hermione to the Yule Ball? His wiped his sweaty hands on his robe as he descended the stairs to go to the Slytherin common room. He was insane. This was surely just a phase. He wouldn't have these feeling in a couple months or so. He'll fall for someone else – someone Slytherin of course.

It just didn't feel right – to like someone he actually saw as a good, true friend. He had so few of those; he really didn't want to risk losing one.

Could he really ask Hermione without losing his cool?

His breathing was picking up just at the though of it.

He was not looking forward to that conversation with her. Perhaps Uncle Severus could offer some tips. He could use some advice right now - and from some one older and more experienced - not his annoying, meddling cousin.

Well, that's all for this first part. Share your thoughts: whether you like this pairing or not, and who you think should go with who at the Yule Ball. Your opinions may influence what happens in this story.