A/N: I'm SO sorry I took so long to update. So here's an extra-long chapter to make up for it. I had AP exams, but I'm done with school next week so I should have time to update more consistently. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. And Lyrics belong to Hoobastank.
Hermione POV
Hermione strode into the Room of Requirement to meet with Draco. Of course, he was late, so she sat down and pulled out a textbook. She was sitting on the couch when a voice broke her concentration.
"Granger! Put the sodding book down. The sooner we start the sooner I can leave."
Hermione gave a little start.
"Jumpy are we Granger?" Draco asked, smirking.
"No, Malfoy. You just startled me is all."
"Just calm down, Granger. Let's just get this over with. What did you want?"
"I- I just…" Hermione trailed off.
"Spit it out Granger!"
"I, erm. What if you could get Parkinson off your back? She would leave you alone."
"How?" Draco asked, looking unimpressed.
"Well, you see, I am in need of a partner in crime. I, well. I really like Ronald, but he never notices me! And he's dating that vile bird-"
"Lilac."
"Lavender."
"Whatever. Same difference. Granger, I still don't see what you little crush has to do with me."
"Well, I want to make him jealous. So I need someone to take to Slughorn's party. Someone he detests. Someone who if I did in fact take them and then commence to date them, would practically make him explode. And that's where you come in Malfoy."
"No! Absolutely not. I'm not doing you a favor and dating scum like you! I know I'm irresistible, but did you really think I would ever consider this?" said Malfoy incredulously.
"Yes, I did! There's plenty in it for you! Do I have to spell it out? No Pan-sy" said Hermione, drawing out the name of the one girl she knew Draco hated maybe even more than her. "Poof! Bye bye Pansy. And you get to get Ronald all riled up. This will kill him. Not emotionally scar or anything, but he will be jealous and honestly, I think it could be fun for you. It's not like I'm proposing marriage!"
"Fine! Let me think!"
Draco sat back, a contemplative look on his face. After a short while, he leaned forward.
"Okay Granger, you've got yourself a deal" he said.
"Yes! Thank you so much!" Hermione squealed.
" Oi! Less annoying or I'm calling it off."
"Sorry. I'm just so happy you agreed to this!"
"Well, don't make me regret it. And just so we're clear, I am not doing this to help you or benefit you or out of the goodness of my heart. I'm doing this solely to get rid of Parkinson."
"Okay, okay. But one more thing."
"What is it this time?" Draco asked.
"I just think we need to call a truce for the duration of this." Hermione said, gesturing between the two of them.
Draco nodded, motioning for her to continue.
"If this is going to work, we need to be convincing. We have to look like a happy couple. "She explained with a slight wince.
"Fine." Draco said, "But I will not portray some sickeningly in love couple. We will not hold hands and give each other goo-goo eyes. It's just disgusting."
"Agreed. We will have to speak to each other though. Nicely. I am just as disgusted as you are with the whole dating each other thing, but I don't know. We could walk to class together or something.' Hermione offered.
"No." Draco said with a glare.
"Not all the way! Just meet me like ten feet from the potions room. There's a passage behind the tapestry of Emeric the Evil. Wait there and we can walk the rest of the way to class together. To at least look the part."
"Fine." Draco huffed.
"Mal- Draco. We really should go by first names. In public at least."
"Okay Gran- Hermione" Draco forced out with a grimace, the name falling awkwardly from his tongue.
"Look, Malfoy, I- I just… I wanted to apologize. We were truly horrible to each other. I wasn't fair. SO, for the sake of cooperation, I'm sorry. I really am." Hermione managed.
Draco looked stunned at these turn of events, like he had just been clubbed over the head.
Did I do the wrong thing? She wondered. Oh God! He's going to hate me now and quit!
"Granger… I. Wha- It's just- I… um. I mean, erm" Draco stuttered.
He gave up looking defeated. Then, a bright look crossed his face.
"One mo'." He said.
Draco rushed off into the corner, out of Hermione's sight. When he emerged, he was holding a guitar.
What on earth? Why would he need that?
Draco started strumming. He was actually quite good. After she realized what he was doing, Hermione settled down to listen, curious.
Then he began to sing. Hermione was blown away. He was amazing. Hermione quickly pushed her shock to the side and listened to what he was trying to say.
"I'm not a perfect person.
There's many things I wish I didn't do.
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you.
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know.
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you"
Hermione couldn't move. She just stared at him with her mouth hanging open she took a deep breath and continued.
"I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all way
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you"
"I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
So I must say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you"
"Wow" breathed Hermione after a short pause. "Malfoy, I didn't know you could sing. That was… beautiful."
"What Granger? Malfoy the big bad bully isn't allowed to have a hidden talent. That was just my stupid way of apologizing. Half of it doesn't even really apply. I'm just not exactly… good with words."
"Well, thank you then. That was really nice. Look Draco, I've got to run. I'll tell you if we need to meet again. Remember, once we leave this room we are officially a couple."
Draco looked at her then quickly strode over.
"If we're a couple, then I guess I'm obligated to do this"
Draco then swooped down and touched his lips lightly to Hermione's.
It was a short kiss, but it was sweet and blew Hermione away. Once they broke away, she stared up at Draco, eyes wide.
"Granger! I- I'm sorry I-"Draco started.
Hermione turned and fled.