"So, how was your day with Stella?" Hermione asked the next day. She had gone for barely a half hour of silence before giving into the urge of finding out the result of her attempt.

"Hermione, what was the title given to you on your Chocolate Frog card?"

Hermione was surprised at the random question. "Uh, purveyor of elf rights?"

"No, the other one?"

"Oh, brightest witch of the age?"

"Yeah, that one."

"Um, why did you ask that?"

"Because I think you may have a competitor for that title. Well, not witch per say, but magical person."

"Who?"

"Me," he replied smugly.

"You? What did you do?" She was starting to get worried now.

"Just had the most amazing idea to get me out of my dilemma."

"What did you do?"

"I put Blaise in charge of Stella."

"What? Draco, no, why would you do that?" Hermione nearly screeched, very upset at the idea of another fix-up going wrong.

"I think you meant to say, how did I not think of that myself. See, it's perfect. Blaise doesn't have a job, he knows London very well, Stella needs to be out of the Manor, Blaise will do that. I get to do my job, it's the perfect fix to this situation."

"No, it's not!" Hermione shot out of her seat.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that the girl flew out so far away to come meet you, and you're not bothering to play a good host to her."

"Hermione, trust me, it's in everyone's best interest if we go by my plan, and manner's don't feature in anywhere. Stella's not that kind of girl."

"Excuse me, she seems very nice!"

"You don't even know her! How would you know?"

"You told me about her that night!"

"See, I know you're a feminist and all, but really, I know how to deal with her," Draco said, and turned back to his work, not leaving place for any arguments.

Zabini,

If you so much as dare to touch the girl, I will skin you alive.

Hermione Granger.

Dear Hermione Granger,

I do not know what you speak of. I do suggest you have a health check-up done, however.

Blaise

Do not mess with me right now, Blaise.

Just do not sleep with Stella. And tell Draco you can't take care of her.

Hermione.

Taken a liking to her, I see. Since when did you turn to that zone, Granger?

I already promised him- he has a lot on me. Sorry.

Blaise

In your dreams, Zabini. I fixed her up with Draco. Don't tell him, please.

Come on, there must be something I can do to convince you.

Hermione.

Aah, Lucius put you up to the dirty work, did he?

How about you go out with me on one date?

Blaise.

Yes, but how did you know about it?

Will it make you stop taking Stella out?

Hermione.

I have the same stipulations in my contract, Granger.

Depends. Make a proper effort and I'll stop.

Blaise.

You Purebloods are so archaic about so many things.

I never have to try, Blaise, I know we will have a good time, as always.

Tomorrow night, my house at 7.

Hermione.

There, whew, back on track, she thought as she sent off her letter.

Around the same time, Draco received a letter.

Can't do it, mate.

I'm going to Nonna's for the week.

Blaise.

Shite! Now what was he going to do?

Draco found himself dressed in jeans and t-shirt, while the girl next to him excitedly pointed out to all the buildings from the top of the Big Red bus he had booked for them. After Blaise had backed out, he had no other option but to take Stella around himself.

He looked at her exuberant face and sighed.

She fit in perfectly with the usual entourage of girls he dated. She was a typical pretty, young blonde. She had big blue eyes that she used to her advantage in getting what she wanted. They had met while he was interning, and was partnered with her. They had started dating a few weeks after their starting day. Barely a month later, Draco had to leave for London, and the two had broken things off amicably. Things hadn't been too serious between them. He hadn't given any thought to her since his time back, and he had been sure she too had moved on. He'd been wrong, apparently, because here she was.

No matter how much he had changed, his thoughts about girls hadn't. He was never serious about them, mainly in the relationship for the physical aspect of it. It suited him, and he had never thought of having emotional support in a partner.

Until recently, that is.

He had been incredibly touched by Hermione's speech about forgiveness, and her attempts at being friend's even though it wasn't required of her. It had felt great talking about everything personal with her over their now-habitual morning coffee, and dinner. It wasn't always necessarily touchy-feely stuff they talked about. They also had discussions about their preferences, and debates about opinions.

It felt rather liberating, in a way, to open up to someone. He beat Hermione already knew more about him than any oh his ex-girlfriend's, or even his parent's did. She just had this charm that made you want to tell her everything and anything.

Now he found himself looking at a future with a wife who was his best friend. Just like Hermione had become.

Yes, in nearly a month, the witch had worked her way into becoming one of his closest, if not best, friend.

He might tell her that, actually.

But he would not tell her his other realization about her.

Yes, Draco Malfoy had a crush on Hermione Granger. He guessed it was the moment she had brought him coffee actually. Her frazzled look and messed up hair had endeared her to him. Or maybe it was when he saw her in a dress. Or maybe it was because of the way she called him silly.

However it may have happened, it was true.

He had an undeniable crush on her.

(A/N: There. It happened. But remember, things aren't always what they seem ;)

Thanks for reading, and do let me know your thoughts :D)