A/N: I know what you're thinking.

When you saw that I updated, your reaction was probably either:

A. YAY! FINALLY!

or

B. Took the bitch long enough.

If you were option B, I apologize greatly! I give you permission to mentally or virtually maul me like a bear. I really felt horrible that I hadn't updated. With school and all, I've been really busy, and then I had writer's block, and in other words, I fail.

But thank you all for your lovely reviews and such-they brightened my day :)

To: DRAMIONExTIVAxFAN: I'm gonna do a little bit of drama, but there's a twist:)

Just a little note for the chapter: I have nothing against Gryffindors! I just needed a Draco perspective.

Anyway, here is the long awaited chapter. :)

Hermione POV

"Did you hear? Granger and Malfoy are dating."

"What? I thought she was dating Weasley?"

"They broke up, I think. Either way, Malfoy's a good catch."

"But come on, a Gryffindor and a Slytherin? That's never a good match."

"You're right. Besides, what does he see in her? Malfoy could get every single girl in Hogwarts, and he chooses Granger? What does she have?"

"Did she blackmail him? She's really smart, you know."

My cheeks were on fire. This sort of conversation was something I heard everywhere.

I tried to ignore it, but it still annoyed me. Draco was even more annoyed.

Draco, who was standing next to me, delicately pushed my hair behind my ears, making sure the two gossiping Ravenclaws saw. He smiled at me and kissed my cheek.

"You're so dramatic." I whispered, scoffing.

"I'm not letting them diss you." he said, in a low voice.

"Oh, how heroic." I chuckled.

"I know I am." he laughed. "And doesn't the damsel in distress give the hero a kiss or something in the end?"

"Perhaps...but you're not getting one." I winked.

"You're so mean." he pouted.

I laughed. Draco seemed to be in his "puppy", as I called it, mood. It was cute and desperate for attention.

"Say what you want." I told him. He grinned at me.

"Come on, Transfiguration awaits."

"Settle down, now." said Professor McGonagall, as she hurried into the classroom. She flicked her wand around, and furniture disappeared.

After a few more flicks, the room was empty. We were all confused.

"I do not know if you have heard yet, but Hogwarts will be hosting a little bit of get-together with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Both schools are arriving tomorrow, and a ball will be held the day after." announced McGonagall.

"How long are they staying?" asked some Slytherin girl.

"A week, Miss Argory."

"Is it the Tri-Wizard tournament again?" asked Theodore Nott, looking hopeful.

"Not this time, Mr. Nott. We may have a few friendly competitions, but we will not be hosting anything like the Tri-Wizard tournament."

"The ladies from Beauxbatons coming?" asked Crabbe, grinning.

McGonagall rolled her eyes. "Just the gentlemen of Beauxbatons." said McGonagall, sarcastically. "Of course they are."

Crabbe smiled sheepishly, and Draco shook his head. He looked at me and mouthed: That's why I hang with Blaise.

"Now, since the ball is approaching, the teachers and I thought it'd be best if we made sure you all remembered how to waltz, so today's lesson will just be relearning the waltz. Ladies, gentlemen, find a partner."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Draco, Ronald, and Cormac all stared at me.

"Crap." I whispered.

Draco ran towards me in a mad dash. He grabbed my arms in a sort of protective hug, and glared at the two boys.

Cormac gritted his teeth, and Ron scowled.

"So defensive." I mused.

"You're mine." he smirked. He put his hand on my waist, and we began dancing.

"Draco Malfoy, I swear to Merlin, you are the worst dancer in the world." I said, as we left Transfiguration.

"I'm uncoordinated-so what?" asked Draco, scoffing.

"You stepped on my foot at least 10 times." I told him. "Honestly, what'd you do at the Yule Ball in fourth year?"

"Pansy was worse." he laughed.

"Speaking of Pansy, she really hates me, doesn't she?" I blurted.

"Probably." he said, passively. "No clue why."

"She's jealous, of course!" I exclaimed. Was he for real?

"Jealous? About what?" he inquired, genuinely skeptic.

I hit him on the head. "She loves you! Are you really that dense?"

He rubbed his head. "She still does? Merlin, why won't girls give up? She knows and has known for a while that I don't like her in that way."

"You are so...stupid." I said, frustrated. As much as I disliked her, I couldn't help feeling sorry for Pansy.

"Whatever, Nott likes her. He can have her." he scoffed.

"You are horrible with women." I stated.

"Yes, well, my charms and attractiveness get me through." he smirked.

We walked to the Great Hall. I took a seat next to Ginny at the Gryffindor table after Draco reluctantly left my side for the Slytherin table.

"Hello, Ginny. Harry." I smiled.

"Hermione! Have you heard? Durmstrang and Beauxbatons are-" started Harry.

"Coming to Hogwarts? Yes." I smiled.

"It so exciting!" squealed Ginny.

"Attention, students!" called Headmistress McGonagall. Everyone quieted down and directed their attention to McGonagall.

"Tomorrow morning, we will be welcoming the two schools, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, as they will be staying with us for a week. I expect that you will behave during their visit. A ball, will be held the day after they arrive. That is all." she called.

"I can't wait! Hopefully I'll be able to snag one of those Beauxbatons girls for my date."

"Durmstrang? I can't wait!"

"Ginny, you do plan on being my date for the ball, right?" asked Harry.

Ginny smiled. "Actually, I was going to go with Neville."

Harry froze. "But...we're dating?"

"Why do you say that as if it were a question?" she laughed. "I was only kidding, Harry. Of course I plan on going with you."

"Good." he said, smiling. "What about you, Hermione?"

"I expect Draco will demand that I go with him, but I'm not sure I want to-he's a worse dancer than you are, Harry."

"Hey!" he exclaimed. I laughed.

Draco POV

"A ball!" exclaimed Pansy. I knew she was looking at me, but I ignored her, and nudged Theo from under the table.

"Er...P-Pansy, w-would you like to go to the ball with me?" he stuttered.

"Uhm..." she looked at me again. I avoided her eyes and continued with my lunch.

"Well?" rushed Theo.

"Sure." she sighed. I smirked to myself.

I looked up at the Gryffindor table. Hermione was sitting next to the Weaslette and the Pothead, laughing.

I smiled to myself. She was cute, really. Her habits went from annoying to absolutely adorable.

My thoughts were interrupted by a paper airplane that hit my head repeatedly. I recognized it to be one of those memo planes or whatever that they used at the Ministry. I opened it to find a few words written on the parchment before they faded away: Ronald Weasley says: Hermione is mine. Cormac McLaggen says: Three words: Back off, Malfoy.

I chuckled at their stupidity. From my robes, I pulled out a quill and wrote a reply: Draco Malfoy says: Three Words: Piss off, Gryffinwhores.

I threw it back and chuckled to myself. Those stupid blokes really thought I'd give a crap? They were painfully mistaken.

Hermione POV

I went to bed earlier than usual, and woke up feeling excited. It was refreshing.

"Good morning, 'Mione." smiled Draco, as I stepped out of my room.

"Hi Draco." I replied, stretching.

"Hey, we are going to the ball together, right?" asked Draco.

"Uh...no." I yawned.

"What? Why not?" inquired Draco, confused.

"First of all, I'd like a proper invitation." I started.

"Fine. Hermione Granger, will you do the honor of going to the ball with me?" asked Draco, smiling at me.

"No. And second of all, your dancing skills are horrible." I told him.

"Oh come on!" he pouted. He tapped his feet out in a bit of a dance. "Doin' my steps, I've been working my steps, you see my feet workin'." he grinned.

I laughed. "You look like a fool."

"I look good, and you know it." he smiled. "So is that a yes or no?"

"Well, only because I'm sweet." I smiled.

"Of course you are." he chuckled.

"Come on, Mr. Veela, let's head down to welcome the schools." I smiled, taking his hand.

We both took our seats by our houses, and waited. The hall was buzzing with excitement.

"Welcome, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang!" called Headmistress McGonagall. The doors opened, and the ladies of Beauxbatons just about glided into the Great Hall.

They did a sort of graceful dance, sending butterflies everywhere. Whistles were heard everywhere.

The large Madame Maxime walked into the hall, and straight up to Headmistress McGonagall.

"Minerrva." said Madame Maxime, kissing her on the cheek, the customary greeting in France.

"Hello, Olympe." smiled McGonagall. "It's good to see you again."

Then, stomping was heard, and the gentlemen of Durmstrang entered the hall. Instead of staffs, they wielded swords. With each slash of the air, a flame ensued.

A tall, strong man appeared. He had thick grey hair, and an equally long and thick beard.

"Augustas Pertavald." he announced, to McGonagall, kissing her hand. "It's good to meet you."

"Likewise." smiled Professor McGonagall. She cleared her throat and stepped onto the podium.

"Welcome, students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang! It is our pleasure to have you here at Hogwarts. I do hope your enjoy your stay!" she called. "Heads, please stand."

Draco and I stood up, looking at McGonagall. She smiled at us. "Miss Granger, if you would, please lead the students of Beauxbatons to their rooms. Mr. Malfoy, take the students of Durmstrang, please."

I smiled, and the girls floated after me. Merlin, could they be more graceful?

By the time everything was settled and I was back at the Great Hall, Draco was already there.

"Hello, Draco." I smiled. Draco returned my greeting with a scowl.

"What?" I frowned. His eyes flickered upwards. I turned around to see a tall, thin man with dark hair and eyebrows, and a large, curved nose.

"Hello, Her-my-oh-nee."

A/N: AUGH! I HAVE GOT TO STOP RUSHING! O.o

But I do hope you enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to review!

Favorite, Alert it, I don't care :)

Thank you all! You guys make me happy :) And I promise, my update will be sooner this time.

For those reading my other fics that I am still in-progress on, I will be updating those soon as well.

Thanks!

Luv,

Cherri