Disclaimer: All the characters as well as most of the setting that appears in this story belong to the author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling. Any actual resemblances of persons or events are entirely coincidental.

A/N: 3 months is quite a long time..? Just came back from the world of the living dead. Writers block is still tagging along behind me. I just re-read my chapter 12 and I must say that some parts are utter trash. Ex: convo between Hermione and Harry. Also near end of convo between Draco and Hermione. shudder and I can't believe that I submitted it w/o proofreading!!! Urgh! Now I can't even remember what year they're in and I have to go back on my story… frustration

A/N: Y'all seen Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban yet? I've already seen it two times and I still love it! I hate to admit it, but Draco was somewhat of a sissy in there. I don't know why but for some reason we readers have made him up as some sort of playboy as in the books it doesn't say anything about him wooing girls and stuff. And if you have seen it, did you catch the very little scene/glimpse of Draco whining to Pansy? That was Pansy! I don't really remember clearly how she looked because there were no close ups but I think she had black hair…

Number of Words: 1512 words

Previous:' Harry was right; Hermione is different from the other girls. I guess there's more to her than meets the eye.'

Hogwarts' Bad Boyz

Chapter 13: What is Love?

"Draco, can we stop by Flourish & Blotts? I have some things I want to buy." Hermione asked, snapping Draco out of his thoughts.
"Yeah. Of course. Go ahead."

Hermione went straight to the magazine section as Draco went off to wander around. He picked up a book called 'Charms to be Charming' and began flipping through it.

Scanning the numerous magazine covers on the racks, Hermione quietly read the cover stories to herself.

"Make-up tips sure to make.. How to find.. Best shops.. Muggle fashion… How to save gallons of galleons by…. Ah-ha!" With her magazine, she strolled off to find Draco.

Meanwhile, Draco was still absorbed into 'Charms to be Charming'. Curious, he looked at the back of the book to see who the author was and almost gagged when he saw Gilderoy Lockhart's teeth flashing picture. He immediately dropped the book and met up with Hermione at the counter.

"A magazine? That's all you got? I had you marked down as a 'Hogwarts: A History' type."
"Well, you don't know me as well as you thought you do then." Hermione reached into her robe to get her bag of money out, but Draco stopped her.
"It's okay, I'll pay for it. I'm the one who invited you out of lunch in the first place anyways."
"If you insist. Thanks then." Hermione mused. 'Who knew Draco could be so courteous and generous?'
"Do you have everything you need? 'Coz if you do, then we should head back. We'll probably be in time for dinner."

Hermione nodded in agreement and they mounted Draco's broom to head back to their school.

"Harry, do you know where Hermione went? I haven't seen her all after noon."

Ron and Harry were heading to the Great Hall for dinner and the unusual absence of Hermione led to Ron's question.

"I think she's with Draco. He told me he was going to take her to Hogsmeade for lunch. They should be back in time for dinner though."
"Malfoy?! What's she… Oh yeah, the bet. Speaking of, how come you're going steady with Cho when you're in the bet? You aren't dating other girls behind her back, are you? Because I can tell you this, dating more than one girl at a time spells trouble." Ron said, unusually wise.

"No! Of course not! As if losing her once wasn't enough!" Harry defended, absolutely appalled at the idea of losing his girlfriend.
"Then this must mean the bet is off! How come Malfoy is still in hot pursuit of Hermione? Anyways, he's already got her, Hermione told us this morning." Ron said dejectedly, he had begun to think that Hermione was immune to all the playboy charms. Especially since Harry was her best friend and she still hadn't fallen for him and being his best friend probably taught her how to shield herself from their charms.
"Yeah.. the bet's off. I told you that already, didn't I?" 'Sorry Draco, I knew I promised not to tell anyone, but I can't let Ron Know that I didn't tell him this.'

"No.. you failed to mention that… I know Draco's one of your best mates, but you've been best friends with Hermione for a much longer time. Why didn't you stop Malfoy from going after her? It's not like he'll fall in love with her or something. You know he'll eventually end up hurting her."
"I tried, Ron. Even though I'm best buds with Draco, I can't stop him from going after anyone. He doesn't listen to people and doesn't like people telling him what to do. He'll feel like their trying to control him." Harry explained, "He already gets enough of that from that man he calls father." Harry added in an undertone.

They had reached the Great Hall, so Ron left his questioning to there.

"Thanks for lunch and the earrings and magazine." Hermione said sincerely as her feet softly touched the grounds of Hogwarts.
"It's my pleasure. Actually, on second thought, could you do me a favor as a repayment for the nice time?" Draco requested.
"Sure, but what's the favor?"
"A kiss." He stated simply.

Hermione hesitated at first, "Well, could you at lest duck down a bit?"

Draco complied and Hermione stood of her tiptoes to give him a small peck on the cheek. As soon as her lips touched his cheek, Draco turned his head and had his soft lips on her pink ones. She let herself be consumed by his kiss. But when his tongue had somehow managed to plunge into her mouth, Hermione pulled back, blushing furiously.

"I best be going now. Dinner is starting in 20 minutes." She stammered and ran off.

Once in the safety of her room, Hermione leaned against the door and touched her pulsing lips gingerly with her fingers. This kiss was different. In a way, she had actually initiated it this time instead of having it forced by Draco. He seemed tenderer this time and it wasn't rushed at all.

"Harry, what was it like to fall in love for the first time. And no going off to 'Cho Dreamland' on me." Draco warned.

Dinner had ended and Harry sat in a chair by the fireplace in Draco's room for their weekly 'guy-time' together.

"Knight to E5. Well, as you just pointed out, you think about her all the time and constantly go dreaming about her once she's mentioned. But the daydreaming only happens when you got it real bad. Why? You falling in love with someone?" Harry asked curiously.
"No I'm not. Me? Draco Malfoy the playboy, fall in love? That's impossible! Ridiculous!" Draco scoffed, "Queen to E5. CrAsH Muahahahahahahaha!"
"Draco, don't even try to lie." Harry warned him as he grumpily swept the broken pieces of what was left of his knight of the chessboard.
"I'm not lying. Look, the reason why I'm asking you this is because I want to know whether or not I'm in love, okay?" Draco explained.

The game of wizards' chess lay forgotten and Harry sat in the plushy chair, deep in thought.

"Have you kissed her yet?"
"Well, duh! I am Draco Malfoy."
"Was the kiss any different that the other kisses you received, or taken from other girls."
"Not really. But recently, it has changed. But I can't put words to describe it."
"Who is this dream girl of yours? Do I know her?"
"She's in this school, so of course you know her."
"Who is it?"
"I'm not telling."
"She's in our year right? And I've probably not dated her before."
"She's in your year and I will never fall in love with a girl that has been taken by a fellow playboy."
"I bet you I know who it is."
"You'll never guess it."
"We'll see about that. The only other decent girl that I or we have not yet contaminated is Hermione Granger. Ooooh, you're in love with my 'Mione." Harry taunted.
"Am not! How do you know that I'm in love with her. Plus, she doesn't belong to you."
"From basic analysis, you can't describe her kisses. If you didn't it would fall into the lust category. You also have the first symptoms of jealousy. Jealousy itself is enough to prove you've fallen for my 'Mione. Anyways, she's right next door isn't she? I might just stroll in and tell her that you fancy her. Let's see how she takes it." With that, Harry bolted out the door with Draco screaming after him.
"Don't you DARE tell her anything, POTTER!"
"Oh, so it's Potter now, is it? Don't worry Malfoy; I'll be sure to let her know. Hee hee hee." Harry crowed with glee at Draco's furiously red face.

After a moments silence, Draco calmed down considerably. He knew Harry was just teasing him and he would never betray him. Draco had trusted him enough to confide his feelings to him. He believed that Harry wouldn't spill his secrets. But he couldn't help but worry a little bit for Hermione was his best friend too, and for a much longer time.

He shrugged and went back into his room to begin his nightly activities: shower, brush his teeth…etc…

"Hey 'Mione. You asleep yet?" Harry said softly as he cautiously pushed open Hermione's door.
"No, not yet. I'm just reading over my Potions notes. Finished your chat with Draco now?"
"Yeah. Just came by to say good night."

Silence

"So, what do you think about Draco?" Harry asked tactically.
"Draco? He's okay, I guess. He definitely has changed a lot this year."
"You over your ancient grudges with him? Or you still physically can't stand him or anything?"
"No, not anymore."
"Okay, cool. Well, see you tomorrow morning then. Good night."
" 'Night Harry."

Harry closed the door behind him and exited the portrait hole quietly.

After Harry had left and Hermione began preparing for bed, Maya hopped down onto Hermione's shoulder and whispered a message from Draco to her.

'What ever Harry had said to you, don't believe every word. Good night Hermione.'

Reviewers!

kay345: Hermione's a complicated girl and Draco has never dated a girl like Hermione before.

PrincessAngelz/Ellie: Thanks! You're welcome to e-mail me about HG/DM anytime!

Pure Mudblood: I love your name! It contradicts perfectly. Kinda like Hermione and Draco. You seriously read this story 4 times?! Whoa!

Samurai Amaya: Thanks! I know, I haven't updated in 3 months… but I'm updating now aren't I?

Gopher2806: I don't think that I'm good at bickering scenes but I try and with their attitudes and personalities, I don't believe they'll ever stop bickering with each other!

Magiclilelf/xiaotian: Thanks! I haven't updated in such a long time I don't even remember what I had written in my last chapter… hm..

ICYCOOL: Thanks! Sorry for the slow update!

The Slythrin Dragon/Red Queen: I like your new name. SUPERLY DUPERLY FLOPALY is DEFINITELY a word! At least in my dictionary it is.

Eyn: I have absolutely no idea where this is heading… Actually, I know a bit where this is heading and I have the ending and a few chapters drafted in my head already. There are little hints here or there but you can't really tell. Sorry if you're losing your interest in this story… I know it's not that great.

WoLfePaWs: Draco is a sly one, definitely. Draco is one of Harry's best friends and he knows him pretty well. Draco is certainly not going to give up on Hermione.

LiLbLueangeL1223: Hermione has changed.. for the better or worse, I don't know.

Emma-Kitty: Thanks! Sure, they got together, but will they stay together? Perhaps I'll make this story a tragic ending. Who knows? Muahahahaha. evil

Syaoronsangel: Remember, Ron thought the bet was still on. So technically he wasn't allowed to interfere with the coarse of the bet which includes Draco going after Hermione. Maybe Harry would have acted differently, I don't know. But I don't think Draco would have stopped pursuing Hermione no matter what and I think Harry knows that so that's how I wrote Harry.

Alka: 'ew' is just ew. I think my heart is too weak to accept flames.

chicka: Thanks!!!

Dracolover4239: Thanks! I guess you got half of your wish from this chapter.

Ladylyn: Thanks!

Me love Draco: I totally agree with your name! Thanks!

Zou-chang: Thanks! Got your new e-mail.

Natyslacks: maybe deep down he really does like her… that's what this chapter is talking about.

Zingara: Thanks!

Miss Wright: Thanks! I do have some ideas on how this story will go. For some reason I already have the ending all planned out! Weird..and I haven't even begun planning out the next!

Telpe Nar Roccar: Flame= no good. Sorry, wasn't able to do you readers your favor… hehehe. I tried but wasn't successful. I'm hoping that I'll be able to wrap this fic up by the end of summer or September. But that's just my wishful thinking.

Lover del Dragon: Thanks!

A/N: I also saw the girl who's supposed to be Cho Chang in the 4th movie. She's this Korean girl whose like 16 I think. The pictures of her made her look ugly. But you know, in pictures people often look ugly but when you see them in the movies, they're suddenly so pretty!!!

Note: If you want to be notified when I've updated, write your e-mail address in your review and I'll add you to my list! OR you could just use ff net's Author Alerts!

[Submitted on June 26, 2004]

BeanTaiPaw .