A/N: Eeek! You all must probably hate me, it's been so long since a new chapter! I'm very, very sorry. Hope everyone likes this one! Big thank-yous to everyone who reviewed.

'It's not allowed!' I said, in one desperate attempt to squirm out of the deal the next morning. Now, on the actual day, it seemed more frightening. What were the other Gryffindors going to think when they saw me sitting at the Slytherin table, kissing Malfoy? The Slytherins undoubtedly weren't going to be very friendly, but that was to be expected. I wanted to do something else, but, as Malfoy reminded me, a deals a deal. So I tried desperately to think up excuses.

'Only Slytherins can sit with Slytherins,' I said, gabbling, as Malfoy dragged me slowly towards the Great Hall.

'True,' he said. 'But I'm sure Umbrige will make an exception. Oh, c'mon, Hermione, move! It won't be that bad.'

'Easy for you to say,' I squeaked. 'Your reputation isn't at stake.'

He sighed. 'Don't worry, the Slytherins might actually warm up to you.'

I snorted. 'Not the Slytherins, dimwit. The Gryffindors! They're going to think I'm – I'm betraying them or something! Going over to the dark side!'

He laughed. 'The dark side, she says! As if.'

After one last attempt to pull me along, he dropped my arm and fixed a warning look on me. 'Are you coming or not? You can always come to Hogsmeade with me, or I can tell Umbrige.'

I trembled. 'Please...'

'No,' he said. 'Are you coming?'

I shivered. Taking a deep breath, I summonded the last of my courage. I nodded and stepped into the Great Hall.

The chatter was high, as usual, and no one glanced at us, except Ron and Harry, who waved and beckoned at the seat they'd saved for me. My heart pummeled.

'I'm just going over to explain to them,' I said quickly, darting over as quickly as possible. I told them about the deal I made with Malfoy.

They at once let out a stream of swear words, and admonitions.

'He's trying to turn you into the next slut!' declared Harry. 'You stand up to that arsehole, Hermione, don't you let him tell you what to do!'

'Uh,' I said. 'Until the two weeks are over, that's kinda unavoidable.'

Ron waved my comment away. 'If it wasn't for Umbrige and her crap, I'd be over there beating Malfoy to a pulp.'

I managed a smile. Ron always talked big.

'Thanks you guys,' I said sincerely. 'Try and explain to the other Gryffindors about me, okay?' I noticed Malfoy angrily beckoning to me. 'I've got to go, okay, so I'll see you later.'

'Good luck, Hermione,' they said in unison, and watched me go.

'About time,' said Malfoy, pulling me down next to him. 'Just sit there, eat and when I talk to you, act like you can't get enough of me, alright? It'll be over before you know it.'

That wasn't the deal, but I was wise enough not to argue. That was basically what it meant, anyway.

It was clear Malfoy was the leader of his little group, some of which treated him like one of the Weird Sisters. Honestly, the way the went on, it was enough to drive a normal person out of their wits...

I blocked the chatter out and proceeded to eat my porridge, my face slowly turning a light pink, for I could feel the eyes of the other houses linger on me. It was, undoubtedly, the worst breakfast I have ever experienced.

'She is.' I heard Malfoy say. He tapped me. 'Aren't you, Hermione?'

Get the act together, Hermione, I said to myself.

'I'm sorry, Draco,' I simpered, moving my face close to his. 'I didn't catch that.'

'You're going to Hogsmeade with me, aren't you sweetheart?'

I gave him a long, hard kiss. 'Of course I am. Like I would even dream of going with anyone else.'

As I looked at him, I saw he wasn't satisfied.

'More,' he mouthed subtly to me.

Oh no.

Get the act together again.

I kissed him again, letting my tongue slip into his mouth, one hand on the back of his neck, the other running down his chest. I would have liked it, if it were not for the numerous people watching us with either approving or shocked looks. As it was, it turned out to be torture.

As we pulled apart a few of the Slytherins whistled. Pansy was heartbroken. Serves her right, the slut.

'I'm going to Hogsmeade with him the next week to,' I continued, drawing it out to make him satisfied. 'I like him so much after all.' With a faked smile, I ran a hand through his hair, and he proceeded to kissing my neck.

'Good girl,' he whispered. 'See, that wasn't so hard now.'

He continued talking to his friends.

Of course it was hard! It was easy enough for him!

After breakfast was just about over, Umbrige called for the attention.

'School,' she said. 'As a treat for exceeding in the mid-year exams, the staff and I decided that we will hold another ball. It is this coming Monday, and open to fourth years and above. Younger students, can if they wish, attend with an older student. If you did not bring a dressrobe, they can be purchased at Hogsmeade this weekend. All fifth, sixth and seventh year students will attend, partner or not. So I suggest you hurry up and prepare! It is at seven thirty in the Great Hall. On Monday, the head of house will escort their house to the Hall. Thank you.' With that, she sat down again.

At once the Hall erupted with chatter.

'Ohmigod, I didn't bring my dressrobe!' wailed one girl.

'Who cares, how am I ever going to ask John? He's so popular!'

I, at least, didn't have to worry about that. My partner was automatic.

'So, Hermione,' said Malfoy. 'Are you excited?'

The Slytherins weren't listening, and it gave me great joy to see Pansy almost in tears.

'I can't go with Draco!' she wailed.

'Yes,' I half-lied. I didn't really mind at all going with him that much... because Pansy was so unhappy.

'I am,' he said softly, running his hand through my hair. 'I'll be going to a ball with you... I wanted to go to last years one with you.'

'Why didn't you - ?'

'Who would you have chosen? Me, or Krum?' he spat out the name. 'You have broken up with him, haven't you?'

'Ages ago,' I replied.

'That's good, I can save you all for myself.' His smile became teasing.

At that moment, Ron and Harry appeared.

'We need to talk to Hermione,' said Harry, glaring at Malfoy, and balling his fists, his face a snarl.

With a mischievous smile, Malfoy held tight onto my arm, as if I would runaway. 'What's the matter?' he laughed. 'Angry that your sweet Hermione's all mine now?'

'Malfoy,' I said warningly. 'You promised.' The boiling rage started to grow again.

'Alright, alright,' he said reluctantly. 'Go ahead. I'll be seeing you later.'

Harry and Ron led me away.

'Are you going with Malfoy?' asked Ron in a doomed sort of voice. I nodded.

'Who're you guys asking?' I probed curiously.

Ron turned red. 'Not sure yet. Maybe Lavender, she's cool.'

I grinned. 'You, Harry?'

He reddened to. 'Well, Cho and I are over, so... I don't know.' But it was obvious he did.

'Ginny?' I hinted. 'I know you like her. And she won't get to go if you don't ask her.'

'Maybe I will,' Harry looked away, and I smiled, for I had guessed correctly.