"I was such a bitch." Hermione thought, shocked over the kiss and the words they had hurled at each other afterwards. "He'll never want to speak to me again." While the feeling accompanying this realization wasn't near the misery of third year when Ron refused to speak with her, she suspected she would regret being so cruel to Draco.
For one thing he was a great kisser. Granted Hermione didn't have Lavender's experience, but --"oh forget about the kiss" she told herself. "You were only curious. Now you know. End of subject."
What about this new Draco: open and seemingly guileless, wearing his insecurities with the panache of designer robes. His persistence, his allegedly desperate need of her was flattering, gratifying, rather than annoying.
'You're wasting too much time on him. Draco, no Malfoy, when did you start thinking of him as Draco?, can't possibly be on the level, and even if he were, one kiss doesn't excuse years of bad behavior. From now on, you're going to stay out of arms reach. I don't care if he trails you around the halls of Hogwarts." She thought.
*****
"Hermione, we need your help?" Harry explained. "I need it, I'm the one who made that stupid bet."
"It certainly was stupid." Hermione muttered.
"Right. Well I had the perfect opportunity and somehow I annoyed Pansy, and do you think there's something particular I should do to change her mind, or do I need to ask Millicent?"
"Just give up the bet. I won't go with Draco, you won't go with a Slytherin.. You'll both be equally hated by each other's houses, status quo remains on balance."
"Hermione, we don't want to lose the bet." Ron reminded her.
"Oh, are you going to dance with a Slytherin too?" she asked Ron.
"I haven't asked anyone to the ball yet." Ron mumbled. "Unless you want to go with me?"
"Gee thanks. Ron, I don't want to ruin a romantic evening for you if you had someone else you wanted to ask."
"You're the best Herm. So how should Harry sweettalk Pansy – it absolutely amazes me that Malfoy kept his word and talked to her."
"Encouraged her. We didn't exactly encourage you to go with him, did we?" Harry said, feeling guilty. "I feel I should tell you to…"
"That's enough." Hermione had to end that train of thought. "Don't worry about honor, and encouragement. Draco's probably doing everything possible to win – that doesn't mean he's playing fair. I'm sure he'll cheat if he can."
"How can you cheat at this?" Ron asked puzzled "and when did you start calling him Draco?"
"t doesn't matter. I won't help you. I couldn't even begin to imagine the twisted workings of a Slytherin's mind, and I'd rather not try."
"I'll help." Ginny volunteered from the doorway.
Harry turned to her "Really?".
He wasn't the only one surprised by Ginny's offer. They were all dumbfounded.
"I don't know if it will work, but I'll try."
"You're a brick, Gin." Harry said warmly – trying to ignore the too pleased expression on her face. "We could start planning now."
"No. " Hermione said. "Ginny and I are supposed to be working on a project, and you two still have to do your Divination homework."
"I guess you're right Herm." Harry said.
"Come on Harry," Ron poked him in the arm "this time we won't have to make up anything dreadful, you're going to the ball with Pansy Parkinson should be shocking enough."
As soon as the boys left, Hermione turned to Ginny. "What was that about?"
"I'm gong to help Harry win the bet."
"But … you don't want him to go with Pansy Parkinson. I thought you'd be miserable. Weren't you hoping he'd ask you to the Yule Ball?"
"Of course I was hoping, and of course I don't want him to go with Pansy, but I'm going to help him."
"Ginny, I know you're not quiet and meek so why are you acting like a carpet for Harry to tread on?"
"I' m not. Hermione, I've got a plan."
