Disclaimer: None of the works in this particular compilation are mine. All entries were merely submitted to me and posted in here as part of the contest.

Scoreboard by subtle

Prompt: (Choice 5) "Okay... I read Shakespeare. But it doesn't mean I am that of a fan to actually use his tricks on you."

Word Count: 586

Ship: Draco Malfoy - Hermione Granger

If you were to walk into the Great Hall with an arm around your self-proclaimed-archenemy's best friend, you would get stares.

Now, try that, but with you being in Slytherin and your said archenemy's best friend being in Gryffindor.

Paints a pretty picture, doesn't it?

I go through that every day. Of course, over time people get used to it. Potter and ginger don't loathe me as much anymore, and I admit that I do try to stop Crabbe and Goyle from making fun of them nowadays. Plus, my housemates rarely ever glare at me now (though that may be from a little prodding from father).

But there are still some things that you just can't change: House schedules, Pansy, homework (would you believe it, she still helps those loons but not me, her bloody boyfriend!), Pansy, House rivalries, and Pansy. I swear on being a pureblood, that girl can be worse than that Brown person given Weasley for a day.

Anyway, breakfast is over with and we've got the single most glorious hour of every week: free period with the Gryffindors. Me saying that it's glorious doesn't mean it has to be for everyone else. That's would just ruin a big part of its gloriousness.

Blimey, she's been reading another one of her Muggle books. Not that I don't like Muggle literature- come to think of it, every novel she's given me to read is done by one, and they've been pretty decent- but she's been so interested in Shakespeare lately that she barely notices me beside her. It's like she's trying to send me a sign or so- oh.

"You know, I'm not thick, Hermione," I say.

She reads a few more lines then closes her book. Looking at me pointedly, she says, "Finally gotten the hint, have you?" I nod my head at the cover, "That what, you want me to play Romeo? Because I think I've got that part down. Nothing more romantic than a pureblood-Slytherin and a Muggle-born-Gryffindor getting together, don't you think?"

"Or maybe you want to run away together? I didn't think you the type, Ms. Granger," I add jokingly. "Mock him all you want, Draco, he's a genius with words and romance," she replies. I stare at her bewildered, "What, and I'm not? I somehow won you over, didn't I?"

"How do you know it's not the other way around?"

"That's evil. Are you sure they put you in the right house?"

"Ha ha. Funny, Draco."

She gets up, ready to leave, but I grab her hand. "Touchy. I'm not saying he's horrible-" "You've read his works. I know you don't think he's horrible," she interrupts knowingly. "Would it kill you to be a little more romantic, though?" I look at her, considering her advice, then reply, "Okay, I read Shakespeare. And okay, I think he's decent. But I'm not that big of a fan to actually use his tricks on you."

She casts me a disappointed look and walks away. I let her go a few feet then call out.

"I will take you to balls and on dates. I will carry your book bag- which weighs a ton, mind you. I will even consider living in a Muggle area just for you." She turns around with a widespread grin, obviously expecting to win another round of banter with me.

I continue with mock seriousness, "But under no circumstances will I ever try to win you over with a bloody Shakespearean quote!"

Draco -1, Hermione - 371