Note: Thank you Gia for the beta and letting me bounce some ideas off of you! You are the best!

My Reviewers: DownWiththeShip0390, Gia1802 and Guest

My Story Followers: hawaiianbaby, Curiosity- Or n0t, VeraDeDiamant, LadyMaryBranson, xxDMHGxx and hoshiakari7

My Story Favorites: Curiosity- Or n0t, ElizaLane and xxDMHGxx

HUGE SHOUT TO Gia1802 and xxDMHGxx for following and favoriting me as an author! Love that kinda love!

-BKC

Chapter 17

Hermione hadn't spoken with Draco since he took her home after their late dinner. In all honesty, she was a bit frightened to talk to him. After their strange goodbye on her front porch, the next morning she was certain that the both of them had enjoyed just a few too many drinks. She in no way found herself attracted a to a certain blonde quidditch player, currently under her employment and she was determined to keep it that way.

She avoided the field all of Friday sticking to her office, leaving only for meetings. Saturday she'd spent the day with Ginny, trying to keep from blabbing about her dinner with Draco. She was pleasantly surprised to find that they had appeared to not be followed during the said 'date'. She had nervously searched all sections of the Prophet Friday morning and was delighted to not find herself mentioned. She'd checked Saturday as well, just in case the pictures hadn't made it to print yet but nothing turned up.

When Sunday came around, she found herself at the pitch, getting ready to head to the next away game with the team. Monday would find them playing the Tutshill Tornados, who were yet to win a game. Spirits were high as they gathered around, waiting for the clock to strike six in the evening. They had a team dinner planned for the evening with the hope of keeping the team camaraderie going. Since their last win against the Magpies, the team had been meshing together better then Hermione could have expected or hoped, even. They were chummy while practicing, and when walking throughout the facility but they were also focused, listening to each other, and working together. As much as she wanted to take credit for the sudden change in the team, she knew a lot of it had to do with Draco's change in behavior.

He scolded much less, instead laughing and joking with his teammates. It was a strange sight to see. Hermione was sure she'd been imaging it during their dinner, but his displays over the last few days told her otherwise.

As she approached the pitch, bags in tow, he caught her eye and gave a simple nod of the head. Hermione dropped her eyes to the ground, hoping to hide her reddening cheeks.

"Alright, crew. Portkey will be leaving in five minutes. Once we arrive, drop your bags, gear up in your rooms and meet back down in the lobby for dinner," O'Kelly's voice boomed over the noise and she caught a few teammates high-fiving as room assignments were passed out.

"Only woman again, Miss. Granger. Room to yourself." Michael gave her a smile as he handed her the room key. Hermione returned his smile and looked down at the key in her hand. This would be her first away game alone. Last week Harry had accompanied her and they'd shared a room. This time, she'd have to sleep alone.

"It's time, you lot. Everyone grab on!" Bags clutched tightly in hand, she once again felt that familiar tug at her navel as they were carried off, vision going slightly blurry as they spun to their destination. Her feet finally landed with a thud and she swayed a bit, but maintained her balance this time.

"Like I said before, equipment drop, then back down here for grub." The men of the team cheered as they headed for their respective rooms.

"Miss Granger, you are joining us, correct?" Hermione honestly hadn't considered that she would be part of the dinner. She had been under the impression the outing had been planned as a team bonding experience. As much as she wanted to say no, just to keep extra distance from Draco, she knew she could not avoid him forever.

"Of course," she flashed O'Kelly a smile which he returned. "I'll just go drop my bags and be right back down." She headed for the lift, noting she had just missed one going up. Pushing the button, she waited taking no notice as someone stepped up next to her.

"Granger." She didn't look at him right away. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. 'Maybe I should have just tried harder to avoid him.'

"Malfoy." She returned his greeting, staring at the lift, praying to anyone that was listening to not let her be left alone with Draco on the lift. She heard the ping as the doors opened. Her face fell as no attendant met them.

"After you." She mumbled a quiet thank you as Draco allowed her access to the lift first. She readjusted her bags, turning to stare at Draco as he grabbed one of her bags for her.

"Malfoy, really, I can manage on my own." He didn't look at her as they entered the lift. He turned, facing the gate, looking straight ahead.

"I didn't ask you if you could, Granger. A gentleman assists a lady." Her eyes studied his face, trying to find an ulterior motive for his behavior, but she found none. With a nod of her head, she gave him a small smile and decided not to fight his chivalry. The ride was silent as they slowly climbed floor after floor. Hermione found herself sneaking glances out of the corner of her eye towards Draco, wondering if he would mention their dinner date.

The elevator tinged and the gates slide open. He motioned once again for her to go first. She stated again he didn't need to help her, that she really could manage to drag her bag to her room but he insisted. Being alone with him again sent shivers up her spine. She could feel his eyes boring into her backside. They reached the door and she grabbed for her bag, their hands barely touching. Her cheeks flushed red and she turned away, putting the key into the lock.

"Thank you, Malfoy. That was very kind of you." He gave her a smile, a genuine smile before turning and heading back towards the lift. Her heart gave a heavy pound in her chest and her eyes grew wide in surprise. Looking down, she mumbled under her breath.

"Shut up, you stupid thing! Act professionally!" When she raised her head back up, after giving her heart a talking to, she could see Draco eyeing her suspiciously. Reddening her cheeks once again, she quickly darted into her room and out of his view, slamming the door behind her. With her back resting on the now closed door, she sank to the floor burying her hands deep in her hair.

"God! I have feelings for Malfoy! Malfoy! After one dinner! What's wrong with me?"