A/N: Fourth chapter out! I made a cover for the fanfiction! What do you guys think? I know Charlie has brown hair in the picture...but I think that guy is a perfect Charlie and I don't have Photoshop or some apps that makes you able to change hair colour. I also noticed I spelled Marcus name wrong (Markus) so I changed that in this chapter, and I also noticed Roger Davis is spelled Roger Davies...so I fixed that too. Took me all day to edit the chapter and I hope you like this! Because I'm not quite happy with the outcome. I'm now writing and plotting the fifth chapter. So I think it will come up this week (:. Thank you for reading! Means the world to me!

Disclaimer: J.K is the true master of this amazing masterpiece. I just use her characters in my own way.

Chapter 4
First Elimination. Part 2.

Once inside the house Hermione tried to socialize with the candidates, getting to know them better. Although she mostly spoke with Dean, and tried to avoid Cormac and Terry all together. Sure Terry was not as horrible as Cormac, but he was really getting on her nerves lately.

Hermione was sitting next to Oliver, Dean, Ernie and Marcus, having a conversation about old memories from Hogwarts. They were genuinely having a good time, even though Hermione and Dean did the most talking.

"Did you really turn into a cat in second year?" Dean asked, tears showing from the corner of his eyes. Hermione was having a hard time herself, controlling her laughter.

"Yes I did, and the first thing Ronald mentions when he sees me is-"she paused for a dramatic effect and Dean leaned closer. " .your .tail" and they once again burst into loud laughter, echoing across the hall. Oliver and the other two gents sitting by the table stared at Dean and Hermione like they were crazy. However Oliver gave a small chuckle, Marcus just rolled his eyes and Ernie stared at Hermione like she just insulted him. Ernie gave a loud snort, cutting through their laughter.

"So that's what you were doing? Goofing around?" his expression held no kindness when he said it, and Hermione's laughter quieted down, raising a brow.

"What do you mean goofing off?" she asked puzzled. To which Ernie just rolled his eyes at.

"Yes goofing off. Trying to be an important student, while you were just goofing around. I bet you only got good grades because you were part of 'the golden trio'. You probably only became the Professors favourite student because of your small adventures with Harry. Plus! You broke several rules, and still got the highest score while graduating. So I say, you didn't deserve it, not one bit!" Ernie finished lecturing and his jaw high in the air. Hermione gaped at the guy, her eyes flickering in shock. He accused her? HER?! For not deserving her grades, she'd studied hard to earn them, probably more than anyone attending at Hogwarts. Hermione was just about to speak up when she saw Zacharias Smith appearing from nowhere, placing his hand on Ernie's left shoulder.

"You have to excuse my fellow Hufflepuff Hermione. We all know too well you deserved those grades. Ernie forgot to mention one thing.-"

Ernie tried to stand up, but Zach's hand just pushed him down again.

"-He used to spy on you while you were studying at the library, taking notes in his journal. And how do I know this you may ask? Well Ernie shared this information with his fellow Hufflepuffs...he used to talk rubbish about you and that you were cheating all the time. He once said that you were obviously under a spell. Making you smarter than the rest of us...so all in all. Ernie is just a big jealous zealot, because you scored higher than him when graduating" Zach finished with a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Now be a gentleman and apologise" he added with a light smack on Ernie's shoulder. The former Hufflepuff rubbed his sore body part, his face burning up by embarrassment as everyone in the room was now looking at him and Zach. Then his eyes met Hermione's and he gave a weak, silent apology. Once Zach heard Ernie's apology he felt satisfied. Bowing his head he began walking away from the table.

Hermione blushed and heard Marcus burst out in hysterically laughter, the others didn't know what to believe, sharing confused looks with each other. Hermione excused herself and stood up, rushing over to Zach. He was now standing by a large window looking out the vast scenery. Hermione tapped him on the shoulder and saw him turn around facing her.

"You didn't have to do that. I could've managed on my own" she stated with a frown, her face was still a bit red. Zach raised an amused brow, almost anticipating this response from her.

"I know you could. But this is not about you handling it on your own. This is about accepting help from another person. You don't always have to defend yourself on your own...Besides I've wanted a revenge on Ernie since he stole my chocolate frog's cards collection, and this was the perfect opportunity" he said seriously, meaning every word. Hermione gave a silent giggle.

"You wanted revenge because of that?" she asked, humour in her voice. Having a hard time believing anyone would want revenge because of that silly thing.

"Yes...I had at least 1000 cards"

Hermione rolled her eyes. Boys will always be boys. She thought it absurd to collect those cards...although she used to collect stamps. It used to be her father's hobby but she grew quite fond of it too.

"So...I guess a thank you is in order" Zach spoke all high and proud, like he was her knight in shiny armour. Hermione chuckled and rolled her eyes again.

"Thank you Zacharias. It was very noble of you" she added to boost his confidence. Not that he really needed it.

"You're welcome...and call me Zach" he gave his first kind smile at her, and Hermione smiled back. She didn't remember Zach like this back at Hogwarts; she always saw him as selfish, rude and very critical. Nonetheless she liked him far more like this.

"Thanks Zach...but next time, don't defend me" she said, but not too serious about it. Zach snorted.

"No promises" he smirked. "Now off you go...Can't talk to me all evening. What will the others say?" he teased with a wink, which made Hermione blush. Sure he wasn't as handsome as Marcus and Roger. Although he was extremely charming and she found out she enjoyed Zach's company. Hermione nodded her head and left. Ready to mingle with the other candidates.

After two hours of mingling, and some flirting here and there, especially from Roger. Hermione didn't mind however, as she quite enjoyed talking with him. Nonetheless, she had finally spoken to every single candidate, except for Charlie and Adrian. It seemed like they were avoiding her, but she had no idea why. Hermione was talking with Lee and Colin when they heard a loud bell all over the place, making everyone turn silent. Staring at the direction the sound was coming from. Hermione saw Tom entering the room, dressed in a black suit and white tie.

She raised her brow wondering what he was doing there. Just as that thought crossed her mind Hermione remembered. The elimination, how could she forget? It's the show's main focus, to eliminate the guys. Hermione gave a silent moan in complaints. Feeling under pressure again.

"I hope you all are having a pleasant evening. However I have to cut it short for now. I'd like you all to follow me to the next room." Tom announced, waiting for them to follow him. Hermione regarded that none stood up and she breathed a frustrated sigh and stood up. Although just as she stood, the men did too and Hermione widened her eyes. A pink tint spreading her cheeks in embarrassment. Did they just stand up because of her?

Hermione cleared her throat and went over to Tom, stepping inside the other room.

Once inside the room Hermione saw a huge stage in the centre. She also noticed the cameras for the first time. Strange she didn't see them before. Had they been filming her all night?

Tom walked over to the stage and got everyone's attention. Explaining that an elimination would take charge. However the first elimination would be different. Instead of one guy leaving, Hermione is supposed to eliminate five men the first night. Hermione tensed, not sure if she heard Tom correctly. Did he say eliminate five men? Creasing her forehead. That would make her decision a bit more difficult, but not impossible.

She regarded the men sharing confused looks. They were just as taken aback as she was. Hermione heard Tom informing her to stand in the middle of the room, and he told the men to stand on the stage, in two separate lines, facing Hermione.

"Now these roses you see here-"Tom motioned with his hand to fifteen red roses placed on a beige bar-table. They were formed like boutonnieres."-You're going to give each man a rose. Remember to choose wisely, as there are only fifteen roses and twenty men. So the five men left without a rose will have to leave the show tonight."Tom explained as he studied Hermione's concentrated expression. She clucked her tongue to her front teeth, her eyes went from the roses to the men, scanning them before making a decision.

This felt so unreal, the show was ridicules. However Hermione found herself in a pickle, having a tough time deciding who should be eliminated. Scanning the men yet again, she thought they all dressed up nicely for the show, even Terry. Too bad he's annoying most of the time, as he's a pretty good looking guy.

"Are you ready Miss Granger? Choose the first man you want to remain on the show" Tom spoke up, disturbing her gaze. Hermione thinned her lips, but nodded her head. Closing her eyes she inhaled deeply, finally making a decision. Here goes nothing she thought, and opened her eyes.

"Dean Thomas"

Announcing his name loud and clear. Making sure everyone heard her. A dark shade of red flushing her face. When Dean heard his name being called first out of all men, he broke into a wide grin. Stepping down the stage he walked over to Hermione, they both smiled to each other. Hermione took a rose and pinned it to Dean's suit.

"Ouch" he whined in fake hurt. Hermione rolled her eyes, playfully smacking his arm. Dean only grinned wider. Tom cleared his throat at their behaviour.

"Now Mr. Thomas you may leave the room" Tom spoke as he gestured to a room on his left. Dean nodded in understanding, and turn to leave. Hermione was about to make her second call. This time it wasn't as difficult to choose. The corner of her lips turning to a lopsided smile.

"Roger Davies"

Roger grinned confidently, almost too sure about himself being chosen. He walked down the stage, over to Hermione. The former Gryffindor girl smiled shyly as she pinned the rose to his suit.

"Thank you Mi lady" he thanked graciously, his words earning a small blush on Hermione's part. Roger felt pleased to see her blush when he was near. Bowing his head gentlemanly, then he proceeded to leave the room.

"Blaise Zabini"

Hermione felt more confident about her third choice as she spoke without hesitation. However not everyone agreed to this decision. Large numbers of groans from former Slytherins were heard, and Draco even gave a dirty look at his old friend.

Blaise had to admit he was shocked to be chosen third, but it amused him that he was selected before Malfoy. Walking over to Hermione she pinned the rose to his suit and shortly after Blaise left the room as well.

"Oliver Wood" Hermione announced and saw Oliver smile. He was the first candidate she met that evening, and she wasn't about to eliminate him the very first night. Oliver approached her and Hermione pinned the rose to his suit.

"Thank you" Oliver spoke silently, for only Hermione to hear. Showing his gratitude, then he left the room. Sixteen guys remaining and only eleven roses left. Hermione bit her lip; it was getting harder to decide, as her options were getting slim.

"Marcus Flint"

Hermione felt her heart fluttering when she uttered his name, cursing quietly for her reactions towards the former Slytherin. She pinned the rose to his suit and Marcus gave a teasing wink directed at her. Making Hermione all hot and bothered inside. Sensing she was drifting off, she cleared her throat and continued.

"Charlie Weasley"

It felt odd to speak his name in a competition such as this. They could hardly look at each other when Hermione placed the red rose to his suit. However she was quite positive she made the right choice, keeping him in the competition...but that remained to be seen.

After Charlie's departure Hermione felt a big knot was lifted from her chest and it was much easier to call out the names, feeling no regret about her decision.

"Zacharias Smith"

The events from earlier had changed her view about the former Hufflepuff, and he genuinely peaked her interest to get to know him better. Zach widened his eyes, but stepped down the stage heading to where Hermione was standing. He was confused and she could see it on his expression.

Hermione thought it looked charming with his blonde strands hanging loosely above his eyes. Smiling she pinned the rose to his suit. Zach peered down to the red flower, and then back to Hermione's smiling eyes. He gave a small smile on his own, leaving the room a moment later.

"Lee Jordan"

When Lee heard his name being said from Hermione he laughed out loud. Everyone turned their heads at his outburst. Hermione quirked an eyebrow befuddled, pinning the rose to his tux then watched Lee walk out, still laughing. Hermione quickened her pace, as she just wanted the elimination to be over and done.

"Colin Creevey"

"Justin Finch-Fletchley"

"Terry Boot"

Hermione almost regretted selecting him, but she rather want him to remain on the show than Cormac or Ernie. Besides Terry is harmless and also very kind, so maybe she's a fool but she decided to let him have a chance.

Terry beamed up like the sun, sprinting down the stage over to Hermione, almost like an eager puppy. Hermione rolled her eyes at the way he acted, but couldn't prevent the small chuckle slipping through her lips. Pinning the rose to his suit she watched him leave, still beaming like a deranged fool.

"Adrian Pucey"

Hermione hadn't gotten a time to talk to Adrian yet, and she thought he seemed like an interesting guy. However when she saw him sulk and breathe a disappointed sigh she wasn't too sure anymore. Wondering if she made a mistake selecting him. With less enthusiasm he walked over to Hermione. She watched him with a blank stare, a frown forming on her brow. She grabbed the red rose and pinned the flower to his suit. When Adrian left the room Tom spoke up.

"Now there's only one rose left-"Hermione widened her eyes. She totally forgot to keep count. Was it really down to the last flower? Peering down to the beige bar-table where only one red rose remained. "-Six men stand before you, and five of them will have to leave. So who's it going to be? Mr. Bletchley, Mr. Macmillan, Mr. McLaggen, Mr. Shunpike or Mr. Malfoy?"

Hermione scanned the men closer one last time. Already counting out Cormac and Ernie. Her eyes stopped at Malfoy and she smirked. He was glaring at her, which Hermione thought quite amusing. Well it suits him right, setting her up on a show like this. Sure she knew that he had to be chosen to win the money prize, but she enjoyed tormenting him, making Malfoy wait, getting selected last.

"It's a tough decision" Hermione added with fake innocence. It was totally worth it when she saw how Malfoy reacted. Gritting his teeth, and clenching his fists. Hermione rolled her eyes pathetically. Malfoy was such a sore loser.

"I think I'll choose..."

Hermione tapped her finger to the mouth, letting her eyes wander back and forth at the six men standing on the stage. Her eyes eventually stopped at a silver-platinum haired wizard.

"Malfoy"

Loud complaining moans were heard from the other men, even from Ernie. Draco on the other hand relaxed his tensed body. Rearranging his green tie before heading down the stage. He smirked as he approached Hermione, and she felt the urge to wipe the smirk off.

"Why thank you kitten. It was quite the surprise" he purred out teasingly. Hermione snorted and without anything said she roughly pinned the last rose to Malfoy's suit. Seconds later, Draco left as well.

"I'm sorry gentlemen. The lady has made her choice. Your journey ends here. You may leave with the limousine you arrived with" Tom explained to the five men still standing on the stage. Hermione almost felt bad about it. She didn't even give Anthony, Miles and Stan a fair chance; she couldn't care less what became of Cormac and Ernie. Hermione felt Tom's hand on her back. Leading her to the other room.

The evening slowly turned to its end, Hermione was thankful for that as she was exhausted, and her feet were killing her. They shared one last sparkling champagne and then she excused herself. The men understood and wished her a goodnights sleep. Then Hermione left them heading off to her flat.

What a day! She thought amazed. It turned out better than she expected. Sure she admitted some of the events could've turned out smoother. Despite her rejections to join the show from the start, she actually had a very pleasant first day. However Hermione had a plan set up. Win the money and don't fall in love...

Though having a fling never harmed.

Biting her lip, she made up an image in her head, about her kissing one of the candidates. Hermione shook her head, pushing the thought away. "Concentrate Hermione. You're here for one thing and one thing only!" she set up determined. Suddenly a hard wall appeared from nowhere and she accidentally bumped her head into it.

"Ouch" Hermione yelped startled, rubbing her sore head soothingly. Frowning she looked up at and noted the wall wasn't really a wall, but it was Richard.

"Oh! There you are! Our own little movie star. Sorry about your head. Did it-"

"Why did you not tell me Malfoy is the one hosting the show and the man behind it all?!" Hermione snapped, not letting Richard finish his sentence. He honestly seemed shocked and terrified of Hermione.

"I-I- uhm...he told you?" he asked dumbfounded, finding no words to be said. Hermione scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Yes, he did! Now why didn't you tell me?" snapping louder as her anger flared. Richard scratched his neck nervously.

"Because I ordered them not to"

She heard a second voice and saw Malfoy revealing himself from a dark corner. Hermione glared at Malfoy. "Great!" she huffed, throwing her hands up in the air. "I can't get away from you, can I?" Hermione hissed out angrily at Malfoy.

Draco gave a smug crooked smirk crossing his arms.

"Nope"

"Arrgh!" she exclaimed, chest rising up and down. Turning around to scowl at Richard.

"I can't deal with the two of you right now. I'm exhausted and it's been a long day. So I'm heading off to bed. So goodnight" with no more said Hermione pushed her way through, stomping off towards her flat.

Richard rubbed his neck again watching Hermione walk off. Then he frowned at Draco.

"Why did you tell her? You do realise everyone will know you're the host now? Seeing as we've been recording all day" he stated matter-of-factly. Draco's mere reply was a shrug on his shoulders.

"It's not live recording. Cut the scene when I tell her I'm the host. You should manage that" he sneered. Richard rolled his eyes, but knew Draco was right.

"So your Majesty-"he spoke with sarcasm"-Did everything go as you planned? Was it everything you expected it to be?" Richard questioned with a distant expression. Draco was still looking at the direction Hermione went. Remembering the events of the night, he smirked. Turning his head to face Richard.

"Nope-"

Although a second later he added cockily, the smug smirk still on his face.

"-It went better"

A/N: Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! A small sneak peak for the coming fifth chapter. There will be a first date! Who do you think is going to get the date? Who's your favourite guy so far ;)?

And as always write a small review, and don't forget to fave or/and follow. You are the ones making this fanfiction happening! So keep the beautiful support coming. It makes me want to write even more! Take care luvs!

(P.S Thanks for the note about the necklace behindblueeyes1117! I fixed it now :3 if anyone sees mistakes like those please tell me. It's Always appriciated!)

Xoxo/Tess.