He wanted to hurt her. Why should he be the only one who felt the knife twist in his vitals? The Draco Malfoy of two weeks ago would rip her to shreds – but that Draco would never be sitting next to her.

"I want you to call off the bet."

"What?" Draco said.

"Neither of you are getting anywhere and I'm worried about Ginny."

"What does this have to do with Ginny? Am I supposed to be some sort of matchmaker now?"

Hermione laughed. "No. I just don't like seeing Ginny hurt."

"Blame your precious, oblivious Potter for that. Besides, I'm going to win the bet."

"How many times do I have to tell you no?"

"We weren't friends then. Shouldn't you show me some support too?"

Hermione swallowed. "How did you manage to twist this around?"

"I've got skills. So are you going with me? A nice friendly little.."

"I can't let Harry down."

"Fine. I'll make Pansy go with him so it'll be a tie – but he has to ask her Hermione."

"I suppose a tie wouldn't be so bad."

"Then you'll go with me."

"You won't wear that hideous black robe with the collar will you?"

"It was a designer robe!"

"We all thought it made you look like a vicar."

He ignored the insult. It's not like Potter or Weasley had any fashion sense. "You'll go with me?"

"Yes."

Hermione watched Draco's smile slowly spread over his face. Wow. Who needs to look at the stars?

***

"You give up so easily, Pansy."

"What are you talking about?" Pansy asked. "My scroll is an inch longer than necessary."

"I mean that aborted seduction scene with Potter a few days ago. And here I thought a Parkinson always got her man."

"But Draco, I want to go with you."

"It's sweet of you to ask, Pansy, but I've already made other arrangements."

***

"Are you sure this is how they did it Myrtle?"

"Oh yes. Never a word for poor Myrtle. No one ever has a word for poor dead Myrtle."

Ginny looked up from her cauldron. "I'm sorry. I know exactly how you feel. I promise I'll come visit."

Myrtle floated down towards the red-headed girl. "So what exactly are you trying to do?"

"It's simple really. Harry Potter will go to the Yule Ball with Pansy Parkinson."