Chapter Three

Qui gagnera?

(Who will win?)

A/N: Because I don't want to make this the story that goes on forever I have decided to fast forward a two weeks. I think this is a sufficient amount of time for young love to spring…or what some mistake as love. So please bare with me honestly I know how the story's going to end. Oh and for this next little section I'm going to be switching in-between Draco's and Hermione's thoughts of the previous two weeks Hermione's thoughts are going to be italic and Draco's are going to be *stared*.

Who could have ever though that Draco could be so…downright charming? Well, I suppose I knew he could, but before it was only to get girls to shag, I don't know what makes me think this time is different but…he seems almost genuine…

**Little Mudblood really can have fun, I didn't think it was possible. She isn't so bad if she just opens up a bit, now I can see why Potter and Weasel have been able to stand her so long. She really is quite a sucker for a charmer and gifts, fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Plus, from what I've hear Diavola hasn't done anything with Potter yet…**

I wonder why Draco bought me all those nice things, took me to all those nice places. I mean first the trip to Hogsmeade, then just chatting in the library, potions together, studying…I just can't get him off my mind, when I'm with him I'm so happy, I never even thought Draco Malfoy would make me happy. It is somewhat fishy though, all these nice things and nothing in return. Oh, I suppose it hasn't been just nothing, we did kiss three times!!! It was incredible, of course I really don't have many guys to compare it to…

**Isn't such a bad snogger either, could have been worse I'll give her that. That really doesn't matter much though. The weird thing is she's fun to be around, not like Pansy or all those other no brain nit wit girls I usually hang out with, she actually has intellect. Come now Draco, you have to stop thinking all these nice mushy gushy feelings about Hermione, she's just a bet, a challenge, nothing more….**

I've been careful, not telling Ron or Harry. Well, I really haven't seen much of Harry lately, but that's besides the point. I wonder why I don't tell them, I mean I have nothing to feel ashamed of. Why can't I just come out and say it? I've thought about it and I know it's soon but really, it's happened before, why can't I just tell Draco I…

**Oh no, bloody hell no, Draco, come on now, you haven't actually developed feelings for this little Mudblood girl have you? Just two weeks ago you couldn't stand her and now feelings?! No, not now, why now, I can't be doing this now. Of all the girls why her? Pull yourself together, you DO NOT have feelings for her, repeat, I DO NOT have feelings for her, oh bleeding fucking hell…**

…Love Draco Malfoy.

**…I have feelings for Hermione Granger.**

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Diavola strutted down the hall towards the G common room smiling to herself and waving to all the gawking boys as she strode by.

These past two weeks have been easy as Pâté en croûte. Harry simply can't get enough of me, and I have led him to believe I feel the same way, it's just a matter of time before I conquer him. What a great little side note to add to my resume, I slept with the Boy Who Lived, won't daddy be oh so proud?

"Golden Lion", Diavola whispered as the portrait of an overly large fat lady swung open revealing the common room. Di had learned of the password from Harry a week ago when she had complained that if she needed him she couldn't get in, he had obediently given her the password.

"Harry, darling!"

Di called as she rushed in and gave Harry a quick hug. If Harry knew her better he wouldn't have mistaken that fake sweetness with loving affection.

Di kissed him and smiled wrapping her arms around his neck and sitting on his lap.

"Did you miss me love?"

"Of course, Di, whenever your gone I miss you."

"Harry dear, I thought we agreed, you are to call me pet from now on right?" Di corrected as she batted her eyelashes.

"Oh, erm, right sorry, pet."

"That's better. So what have you been up to all day?"

"Oh, Quidditch practice, homework, you?"

"Nothing really, Pansy did teach me a great facial trick."

Ron snickered from a nearby chair. His friend was so overwhelmed by Diavola that he didn't even notice what an idiot he looked like. Ron couldn't take it anymore, he nodded his head and left the room.

"You know love, I just don't get why Ron doesn't like me more, I mean I try to be nice." Di pouted trying for a sad expression.

"Oh, don't worry about him pet, he's just a tad bit jealous I suppose that's all…"

"Okay, because I wouldn't want you two to not be friends just because of me…"

"If that ever did happen, I would pick you…"

Di smiled and decided it was time to initiate the final phase in plan one.

"Harry…" Di ran a finger over his lips and pouted again, trying to look cute. "I don't suppose you'd want to meet me in the tower at midnight tonight would you?"

Harry tried to conceal his excitement but Di saw right through him.

"That would be splendid Di, tonight at midnight it is."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

**Okay Draco, you know the plan. Just finish the challenge and all these feelings will slip away. Just go and find her in the library, seductively ask her if she wants to spend the night in your room and then you've won. Diavola will be your slave and you can teach that little bitch how to play nice and your feelings for Hermione will be gone, everyone wins.**

Draco's eyes scanned the library until he spied his prize. Hermione was sitting alone at on of the many big wooden tables head in a book as usual. Coming from behind he snuck up on her and gave her cheek a peck.


"Hullo love, I was looking for you."

Hermione looked up and blushed showing Draco she had been thinking about him as well.

"Why were you looking for me Draco"

"There's something I wanted to ask, if you don't want to that's fine."

"What is it?"

"How about just you and I for dinner tonight. If you didn't know I happen to be a great cook. I can fix us up something afterwards we can look at the stars…"

Draco ran his hand down to her thigh.

"Whatever you want."

He whispered in her ear as Hermione closed her eyes.

"Sounds perfect Draco, how about seven then?"

"Seven it is."