Disclaimer: I am a broke college student. I make no money off of J.K. Rowling's genius.

A/N: Thank you for reading my story and thank you for adding it to your lists. Thank you to the reviewers for spending time to tell me what you think. I appreciate it! Enjoy!


Ch. 8 Fake It Till You Make It

Draco couldn't avoid it any longer, he was having lunch with Pansy. He had been receiving owl after owl from her in which she had asked how he was, how were the Muggles at school, when would they meet to talk, and most irritating, who was he bringing to her wedding.

"So who are you dating? Or more appropriately, who are you shagging?" Pansy asked with a smirk.

Draco grimaced.

"Merlin Pans, I'm not dating or shagging anyone. I told you I'm too busy for any of that right now." Draco said. Although I see Hermione so much we're practically dating. He thought to himself. But without any romantic things happening…At least we're friends.

"Liar. You always had your eye on someone when we were in Hogwarts and you were busy then too, saving your arse. Even if you aren't dating anyone you have to bring someone to my wedding."

Draco rolled his eyes before replying, "What is with you and trying to get me to bring someone to your wedding? I'm bringing a lovely woman, alright?"

Pansy's face lit up, "Who?" she asked excitedly.

"My dear mother."

Pansy laughed, "You can't. She has her own invitation which means you still need a plus one." She smiled in triumph.

Draco was getting frustrated, "I don't need to bring a bloody date to your wedding Pansy."

"Yes you do. The Greengrasses will be there and you know how they always try to convince you and your mother that you, 'Would be the perfect match for our dear Astoria.'" Pansy said in a mocking tone.

"Slytherin's. Sweaty. Scrotum."

"Exactly. So even if you're not dating anyone bring someone and make it seem like you're off the market." Pansy said in all seriousness.

"I don't have any female friends like you who I could ask to do this for – Hermione!" Draco said suddenly. Duh. He thought.

"You don't have any female friends like me whom you could ask to do this for the bookworm, Granger girl?" Pansy asked.

"What? No. No. I could ask Hermione."

With the look of complete and utter confusion on Pansy's face, Draco decided it would be a good time to explain his new friendship with the Gryffindor poster girl.

"…Do it." Was all Pansy said when he finished explaining.

"Really?"

"Yes. It doesn't hurt to ask and if she declines I'm sure you'll think of something."

"I could always just ask Blaise for some random tart's number."

"No!" Pansy nearly shouted at him, this made other patrons at the restaurant turn and look at her. She scowled at them causing them to all return to their meals. "I mean you stopped with the whoring, you should leave those days behind. If Granger says no think of a different solution that does not involve Blaise and his previous bedmates!"

Draco laughed, "Fine."

"And there is no way you're bringing one of Blaise's poor, forgotten conquests to MY wedding!"

That day Draco was scheduled to work at the shop with the twins. After his lunch with Pansy he went to Diagon Alley and was at the shop until closing. Luckily for him Hermione had been working at Flourish and Blotts that night as well. It was eight o'clock but there was still light out, summer was almost there. As Draco was leaving Hermione was walking past the store.

"Hi Draco," She said. Draco turned, "Oh hello." They both began walking in the same direction. Hermione was much more bouncy than usual. Like she had a secret she was just itching to tell. Neither spoke for a while, each was lost in their own thoughts.

I should ask her about the wedding. Draco thought to himself.

"Are you ready for exams week?" Was what he asked instead.

"I only have five exams for Healing, and we already gave in our psychology papers so, I guess I am. Plus we have one more whole week before exams begin. That should be enough time to review. How about you?"

Draco looked at her as though she had just said she could sprout wings and fly. "ONLY five exams? Merlin, I have two and the project for economics and I'm stressed just thinking about it."

Hermione chuckled, "You'll be fine."

What a cute little laugh she has. Draco thought. Whaaat?! Pull it together man!

"Are you still coming over tomorrow to finish up your project?"

"Yes and then I'll be out of your hair." Draco said.

Hermione almost screamed out no. Where did that come? She wondered.

"You don't have to be."

Draco almost stopped mid step but composed himself.

That sounded awkwardly romantic. Hermione thought.

"I mean we can still hang out from time to time."

"Like right now?" Draco asked sarcastically, "walking in the same direction after work was not what normal people would call 'hanging out'."

"Yeah. Except that I won't be working at Flourish much longer. I had an interview this morning and I got a new job. I start the week after exams." Hermione beamed.

"That's why you look so cheery. You're practically bursting with happiness. It's almost sickening." Draco said. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.

He smiled. Gahh that smile! Hermione thought.

"What will you be doing?"

"Umm…I'm not sure yet. They weren't specific. Just some office work at an outpatient mental health facility." Hermione lied.

"Ohh. That sounds like a great opportunity for you."

Then Draco stopped walking, his face remaining unreadable. No time like the present. He thought.

Hermione stopped and turned to look at him, concern showing on her features.

"We're friends yes?" Draco asked. Great, I sound like a sodding woman.

"Yeah, why?"

"I need a favour."

"Another one? I'm technically already doing you a favour letting you use my laptop. You're going to owe me a lot of favours." She joked.

Draco sighed he figured he'd get right on with it and spit it out, "I need a date to a wedding. And don't worry I'm not asking because I'm harbouring some secret crush on you." LIAR! He thought, "I just need a date…to Pansy's wedding."

Hermione made a face. "No offense, bu-"

"Look. Pureblood society is trying to get over their bigoted ways. If anyone gives you trouble they'll have me to answer to."

Hermione looked at him skeptically.

"I promise. Don't make me beg."

Hermione sighed, "Why can't you just ask someone else?"

"I have no one else to ask." You. Are. Pathetic, Draco Malfoy. He said to himself.

"How is that possible?"

"Because I don't really have any other female friends."

"Why do you need to bring a date so badly in the first place?"

"It's a bit convoluted."

Hermione raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "When is it not?"

Draco had to crack a smile. She had a point. "The reason I need a date is so that the Greengrasses won't try to set me up with their youngest daughter again. They try to do so every time my mother and I are at the same function as them. So basically, I need to bring someone and act like we're actually dating."

Hermione thought for a moment. What could it hurt? I've done crazier shite than go to a pureblood society wedding, hell I'm a dominatrix now. The acting will be practice…and pretending like I'm dating Draco won't be too much of a problem…He is 'yummy' as they say.

"Sure, why not? I haven't had a reason to dress up in ages. It should be fun." She replied.

"Really?"

"Of course."

"I'll make it up to you I swear."

"No problem. Free of charge!"

"What?"

"Nothing," Hermione said with a sly smile.