5. 'Hare & Tortoise' pub 12.30

Draco and Hermione arrived at the same time and after a quick smile they started again their act. He opened the door for her and then, as a gentleman when they got to the table he took the chair out for her. From outside, everyone would think that they were a couple.

He smirked at her and then asked "So, have you read the newspapers? What do you think?" she smirked back "I think the journalists who wrote the articles did a good job. It looks like a match out from a fairytale. All the romantic witches out there will be hoping that Prince Charming will marry the poor Cinderella."

He looked at her confused "Who is Cinderella?" she laughed "You don't know Cinderella's story? Of course not, it's a muggle fairytale where the poor and mistreated girl get the man of her dreams who happens to be a Prince with money and good look." He smiled at her "So do you see me as a Prince Charming?"

She blushed and then said "No, Malfoy I don't but many girls may be fooled by your appearance." He snorted "I would like you to know that I have a good character too" and when he saw her dubious expression he added "I just don't show it very often and I've never done it with you because we were enemies back at school."

She sighed "I see. And I believe that yesterday night I caught a glimpse of it." He seemed thoughtful for a bit. Draco was surprised that the conversation was easy and funny between the two of them and when he had seen her blushing, she had taken his breath away. She wasn't a sophisticated witch and that simplicity was refreshing to him. Merlin knew how Pansy's behaviour had always bored him, there wasn't anything that was not planned in the pug-faced witch talks.

Draco appraised Hermione very carefully "Yes, I believe that I may have been nice yesterday night but it helped that you didn't behave as your usual aggressive self." As soon as he finished the sentence he understood that he did say something really wrong.

"Aggressive? You think that I'm aggressive?" Hermione was getting angry "You, of all people, dare say something like this! I had always to defend myself with you, that's the only reason why I was aggressive."

He needed to calm her down "You are right Hermione, I shouldn't have said such a thing. Let's talk about your interview and tonight's date." She didn't want to end it there but a part of herself knew that they weren't really a couple so it didn't matter if he liked her or not. But still part of her, the feminine one wanted to be liked.

She sighed and he saw her getting a bit upset. He quickly covered her hand with his one and said "Hermione, I'm sorry. I believe I haven't been the most pleasant man with you as well." They were both surprised by his phrase. Draco didn't know why he really apologised to her and he basically told her that he was a git. Hermione was shocked that he really was trying his best to be nice.

"Ok, Draco apology accepted. Now, I have the interview tomorrow at 11 o'clock. Have you got any suggestions on the things I have to say?" He looked shocked that she has asked for his help and she quickly said "Well, you are working there so you know what's good or not to be said." He smiled at her "I believe that just by being yourself you will get the job Hermione." He bit his tongue, where the hell did all this compliments come from? He wasn't being his usual bastard self.

And to distract her before she understood how nice he was being he said "Tomorrow night you are invited at Malfoy Manor to meet your future mother-in-law."

Hermione paled "So soon? I mean can't we do it during the week-end?" He smirked "My brave Gryffindor is scared of Narcissa Malfoy?" she then blushed "I'm not scared, rather I'm a bit intimidated by her." He sniggered "And you should be. She is going to eat you alive if you don't bring out the backbone you usually reserve for me."

She smiled and with a determined look she said "Fine, I will meet her and I will come out as a winner. I will make her so angry and annoyed at me that you will be allowed to be a bachelor for at least other 10 years." He laughed at her antics, she really was a piece of work. Hermione Granger was the most interesting and witty person he had had the pleasure to meet for a long time.

"I would be happy with other 2 or 3 years Hermione but feel free to piss her off as much as you want." The match between the two witches was going to be fantastic to watch. And he was sure he eventually would like to marry a woman that would keep her head high up in front of Narcissa. "Now, Hermione let's talk about tonight. We need to go back to MadamMagic Spa and get you a new dress. You must be as stunning as yesterday night."

She grinned, today Draco had paid her so many compliments and she was sure he didn't even realise that she heard them all. "All right, I'll meet you there at 7.30. Now I've to go." While she was wearing her jacket he approached her and smiling said "Are you leaving me without a kiss?" And before she could say anything he was holding her in his arm and lightly he put a kiss on her lips.

"We have an audience Hermione" she was shook from her reverie by his phrase. So he didn't do it because he wanted it. He thought he saw something fleeting in her amber eyes. Was it disappointment? He actually had kissed her because he wanted but he thought that she needed an excuse for allowing it.

"Oh yes, the audience." She smiled but her smile didn't reach her eyes "I will see you tonight. Goodbye." And before he had the time to say anything else she had exited the pub and disapparated away. What in Merlin's name was going on?

Trouble. This entire bloody plan was bringing more complications than he expected. She wasn't what he thought she was and her personality coming together with a fabulous look didn't help him to keep his male side out of the way. Hermione Granger was growing on him. He shook his head to clear his brain of this crazy thought but the whole afternoon, amber eyes were popping in his mind when he less expected them.

AN: Thanks for reading.