Disclaimer: I do not own HP, Draco or Hermione and make no money off of this. It's just for fun, people!

Prompt: Public Kiss

Fourth Year: Alongside the Goblet of Fire

Word Count: 698

Warnings: extortion/blackmail, slightly AU

Hermione sat dejectedly on the steps of the Grand Ballroom. Ron was a total git. How could he take what was supposed to be such a magical evening and ruin it? First, he had not asked her to the dance except as an afterthought. Second, he had insulted her date. Third, he had completely failed to build friendships with the other schools. And, fourth, he hadn't even complimented her on her dress! The nerve of him! If he hadn't left already, she would have cursed him into next week!

Fuming, she barely registered the click clack of dress shoes on the stairs. It wasn't until the wash of patchouli engulfed her senses that she realized a male presence had stopped and squatted behind her.

Oh, Merlin, not him. Not now!

"So, even the half-bloods and blood traitors cannot stand to be in your presence any longer, Bookworm," he whispered close to her cheek. The brush of satiny hair sent shivers down her spine while the smell of his unique cologne made her stomach nauseous.

"Makes me wonder then why you're still here," she retorted while trying to display a calm demeanor.

"There is no wonder to it; I came to gloat." The smirk was in full force; she could hear it in his speech.

Whipping her head around to glower at him, she noticed his eyes sparkled like steel cages. "Why don't you go laugh it up with those goons you call friends over there." She gestured her head to the far wall where the other mid-year Slytherins were gathered, probably enjoying spiked pumpkin juice.

"Because, I would much rather annoy you." With that, he touched the curls cascading from the crown of her head. "I see someone has been able to tame this wild mop. Care to show me how docile it can be?" His fingertips tickled the sensitive soft spot just behind her ear. It was maddening.

She jerked her head away from his touch. "What are you playing at, Ferret?" Surely he wouldn't try anything here at the Yule Ball!

"All this dancing and glitter and romance has brought my attention back to that miserable kiss from last year. I thought as a Solstice gift you could make it better this time around."

"You're absolutely demented if you think there is going to be a 'this' time!" she snarled back at him.

"Oh, I know there will be. A certain Rita Skeeter happens to be a long-time friend of my father's. It would be a pity if she learned about the nefarious dealings of one Mudblood, especially when she has had relations with two of the four contestants."

He couldn't possibly be implying.... "I have not!"

The Daily Prophet had already run that trumped up story about her and Harry from the first task. It wouldn't take much gossip to convince Skeeter to continue the defamation.

"I am sure Pansy has heard some rumors and may even have photographs."

It was a lie, she knew, but his friends could fabricate evidence. "Fine!" she burst out, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "You can have one kiss, but no more!"

"Excellent." Draco wasted no time and swooped in to grab Hermione where she sat. He hauled her to her feet and immediately claimed her lips. His touch was hot and demanding. She gasped at the suddenness of it and he took that opportunity to thrust his tongue into her oral cavity. It along with his spicy perfume had her gagging, but his arms at shoulder and waist held her upright. She tried to appease him by not flinching, but it was too much when his hands groped her buttocks. She shoved against him, breaking them apart and losing her footing on the steps.

"You right prick!" she exclaimed as she re-balanced herself. "Satisfied?"

"You could never meet up to my expectations, Granger, so I will take my leave of you now. By the way, nice dress," he said sarcastically, then saundered off to join his friends.

As she watched him go, she realized that half the remaining attendees were watching them. Horrified, she quickly left the dance. This turned out to be the worst night of her life.